As the Dallas Cowboys' training camp draws near, star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb's ongoing contract holdout is becoming a cause for concern. With no resolution in sight, Lamb's absence from the team may continue as negotiations lag behind.

Lamb, who recently conducted a football camp in Arlington, spoke to over 600 enthusiastic kids, expressing his joy to be back home. However, despite his strong connection to the community, the talented wideout has yet to report to The Star for team activities.

Interestingly, the Cowboys have reportedly prioritized Lamb's contract extension negotiations ahead of quarterback Dak Prescott's. This decision demonstrates the team's recognition of Lamb's value as their top offensive threat.

While Prescott is expected to participate in the upcoming training camp, Lamb's arrival in Oxnard, California remains uncertain. Sources close to Lamb suggest that a final decision on his holdout during training camp has yet to be made. Given his previous fines for missing mandatory minicamp, it's unclear whether financial penalties will deter him from continuing his holdout.

Despite the ongoing contract impasse, the Cowboys are eager to have Lamb back in camp. The slow progress in negotiations thus far may pick up once the team arrives in California. Lamb's presence on the field is crucial for a team with aspirations of deep playoff runs. Last season, he set franchise records in catches and receiving yards while also leading the NFL in receptions and touchdowns.

The absence of Lamb heightens the importance of veteran receiver Brandin Cooks, who has the potential to fill the void as a reliable secondary option. Additionally, players like Jalen Tolbert, KaVontae Turpin, Ryan Flournoy, and Jalen Brooks are vying for roster spots in a competitive receiver group.

Determining Lamb's appropriate salary seems relatively straightforward when considering recent contracts in the league. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown signed massive deals, with Jefferson's setting a new non-quarterback record. The average salary for Lamb should exceed $32 million, with guarantees exceeding $100 million, based on these comparisons.

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged the need to compensate Lamb, along with Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons, in a manner befitting their elite status. However, the negotiation process has proven to be challenging, with both sides yet to find common ground.

The Cowboys' inability to present a satisfactory deal and Lamb's unwillingness to compromise further have resulted in the ongoing holdout. Moreover, upcoming contract situations for Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence could impact the team's ability to meet Lamb's salary demands, as significant cap hits loom in the future.

Lamb, refusing to comment on his uncertain status following the camp, remains silent but his holdout speaks volumes.

As training camp approaches, fans eagerly await a resolution to the contract standoff, hoping to see Lamb back on the field where he can continue his impressive impact.