As the sweltering summer sun prepares to greet the Dallas Cowboys in Oxnard, California, the absence of one star casts a long shadow over the training camp grounds. Pro Bowl wide receiver CeeDee Lambhas chosen not to join his team, instead holding out for a contract extension that has eluded him thus far.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on Tuesday, confirming what many had suspected: Lamb won’t be at the Cowboys training camp on Wednesday. Despite extensive negotiations, Lamb and the Cowboys have yet to reach a deal, leading to this standoff.

Earlier on Tuesday, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero noted that Lamb wasn’t aboard the team’s flight to California, cementing his status as a holdout. This move is the latest in a saga that’s seen Lamb sit out voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp, accruing fines in the process.

Lamb’s absence is a stark reminder of the business side of the sport. At 25, Lamb is one of the league’s premier receivers, and his value is underscored by the lucrative deals secured by his peers this offseason. The Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown have all inked significant extensions. Now, Lamb seeks his due.

Contract controversy: Lamb’s holdout highlights his value to Cowboys

Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Lamb is set to earn $17.9 million in 2024 on the fifth-year option. However, his recent performance suggests he’s worth much more. Coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl season, Lamb earned his first All-Pro nod last year, racking up 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns-all career highs.

Since his 935-yard rookie season, Lamb has been a model of consistency, posting three straight 1,000-yard seasons with over 100 catches in each of the last two years. His absence now leaves a void in the Cowboys’ offensive lineup, a gap that highlights his importance to the team.

Lamb isn’t the only Cowboys star seeking a new deal. Quarterback Dak Prescott is approaching the final year of his contract, and linebacker Micah Parsons is also eyeing a mega-extension. The Cowboys‘ front office is undoubtedly feeling the pressure.

This isn’t uncharted territory for the Cowboys. Running back Ezekiel Elliott held out in 2019 before landing a massive extension, and guard Zack Martin did the same last year, eventually securing a raise. Now, Lamb follows in their footsteps, banking on his value to force the Cowboys’ hand.

As the Cowboys kick off their training camp without one of their brightest stars, the clock ticks. Will the front office blink first, or will Lamb’s holdout stretch into the season? For now, America’s Team has a new priority: finding common ground with their All-Pro wide receiver and getting him back where he belongs-on the field.