CeeDee Lamb has blossomed into a top-five receiver in the NFL. Coming off a stellar 2023 season with 144 receptions, 1,859 yards, and 12 touchdowns, Lamb is poised to establish himself at the top of the wide receiver market. However, it has been well documented that there are contract disputes between Lamb and the Dallas Cowboys front office, led by Jerry Jones. If Jones is unwilling to pay the necessary amount to keep Lamb happy in Dallas, he might consider trading him for cheaper assets. The ideal team for this trade could be the Carolina Panthers.
Everyone knows Jerry Jones has the money to spend, so it’s hard to imagine him not paying his top offensive player. However, he also has to consider other contracts on the team. Quarterback Dak Prescott is at the center of contract discussions and is set to be a free agent after this season. Additionally, the Cowboys must consider the contract that star edge rusher Micah Parsons will command. Lamb, Prescott, and Parsons will all demand top-of-market deals. While the Cowboys have the cash, there is a salary cap and 50 other positions to fill. It would be challenging to manage three top-of-market contracts.
If the Cowboys decided to trade Lamb, they could net a substantial return. A blueprint for this trade could come from when the Miami Dolphins acquired Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs received a multitude of draft picks, including a first-round, second-round, a couple of fourths, and a sixt. The Carolina Panthers have the capital to meet this demand, along with plenty of cap space to work with. The Panthers are emerging from a rebuild, and with quarterback Bryce Young struggling last season, having a receiver like Lamb could provide the boost he needs. Moreover, Lamb would be an ideal role model for rookie receiver Xavier Legette.
The odds that the Cowboys trade Lamb are still pretty slim, but if they decide to move forward with Prescott and Parsons, Lamb may be on the move. If that happens, Carolina should seize the opportunity. By following the Tyreek Hill trade pattern, they could acquire Lamb and add another dimension to an offense that struggled last season. This move could save Bryce Young’s career and help Xavier Legette develop into a true 1B receiver.
