WR CeeDee Lamb, DE Micah Parsons are not participating in Cowboys offseason program

Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons were not present for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason program on Monday.

Lamb’s absence was expected.

He is hoping to parlay a record-setting season in 2023 into a long-term contract extension.

Lamb is set to make a $17.99 million in 2024 on the fifth-year team option of his rookie deal.

Lamb was named first-team All-Pro in 2023 when he led the league with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards, both single season records.

He has no intention on playing on the fifth-year option.

Lamb could get get up to $30 million annually on a contract extension. His boycott of the offseason program is part of his negotiating strategy.

Per a source with knowledge of the negotiations: “Why would he (participate)?”

The offseason program is voluntary.

And the first two weeks consists of strength and conditioning and meetings.

The Cowboys will have six OTA practices in May followed by a mandatory mini camp, June 4-6.

If Lamb doesn’t doesn’t show up for the mini camp, he is subject to more than $100,000 in fines.

Of course, he could show up and not work out in what could be termed “a hold in.”

Interestingly enough, Parsons is also a player the Cowboys want to sign to a long-term contract extension.

He has been named All-Pro in each of his first three seasons and has finished top three in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting in all three three seasons.

Parsons has two years remaining his rookie deal and the Cowboys will almost certainly pick up his fifth-option.

However, Parsons did not participate in the team’s voluntary offseason program last season, choosing to work out on his own.

He showed up for OTAs and mini camp.

Parsons’ absence could be similar to last season than leverage for a cotnract extension.