You don’t need words from the owner or general manager (in the case of the Dallas Cowboys, it’s the same person) or the head coach to know that CeeDee Lamb is a top talent.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Last year, Lamb led the NFL in targets, receptions and yards after catch. His 12 touchdowns were one shy of the league lead and his 1,749 receiving yards were 50 shy of leading the NFL.

“He can play outside; he can play inside. He’s got the speed to play outside. He’s got the agility and the quickness — he’s got the whole package,” head coach Mike McCarthy said Monday during a conference call. “One thing about CeeDee, he’s as tough as they come. He’s definitely a complete player.”

Lamb’s value to the Cowboys is unique. After Dak Prescott, Lamb is on a level of his own in terms of what his presence means to the entire offensive operation. Not only is Lamb a lethal weapon on the field, his presence restores order to virtually every other skill player on the team.

Brandin Cooks has had 1,000-yard seasons throughout his career, but when he’s your No. 1 wide receiver, you feel nervous. As a No. 2 receiver, Cooks is in a much better position to succeed. Jalen Tolbert’s steady improvement in his third season is encouraging, but asking him to take on the No. 2 receiver duties after serving a limited role as a No. 4 receiver last year is a lot. Tolbert settling in as a No. 3 receiver brings back the fuzzy feeling. The same logic applies to tight end Jake Ferguson, who has earned Prescott’s trust and has been a reliable security blanket but looks much better when his matchups are set up by defenses that focus on Lamb on critical downs.

Jerry Jones made it clear early on that his definition of being “all in” for the 2024 season is different than how many on the outside interpret it. Being “all in” for Jones wasn’t about making splashy free-agency moves or jumping the fences on the trade market. Instead, it was about the level of consequence that comes with how — and most importantly — whenthe 2024 season ends.

McCarthy will coach in the final year of his contract this season. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is in the same boat. For now, Prescott is also in the final year of his contract. It would be impossible to give either of them a fair assessment if the linchpin of the offense (Lamb) hadn’t had enough time to get ready for the start of the season, let alone if he missed a regular-season game.

Fortunately for Lamb and the Cowboys, the star receiver is returning to a familiar situation. If this whole saga had played out a year ago, when the team switched from a Kellen Moore offense to a McCarthy offense, the adjustment would have been more difficult. Lamb would have had to learn new concepts and familiarize himself with the language.

GALLING DEEPER

How Cowboys Are Being Smart in Their Return to CeeDee Lamb

It may take a while for Lamb to get his groove back on those things and get his rhythm back with Prescott, but it won’t be long. The two weeks leading up to the opener offer plenty of time.

In Oxnard, Calif., McCarthy said there will be new wrinkles Lamb will have to learn. It’s easy to see a scenario where the Cowboys see an even bigger role for Lamb. He’s already an elite pass catcher, but could he see more action out of the backfield? Could they play his snaps in the slot or on the perimeter?

Everything is on the table. But for it to be felt, Lamb had to be in the building, and now he is.

Cooks and Tolbert will be better receivers with Lamb on the field with them. Ferguson will be ready to take the next step in his development as Prescott’s safety blanket with Lamb’s involvement. McCarthy emphasizes that the result of a successful offense is that the quarterback looks good. Lamb in the huddle gives Prescott the best chance to shine after arguably his best season in the NFL.

Lamb’s production is the least of anyone’s concerns. Since entering the league in 2020, he’s been on a steady upward trajectory, with each year he’s had more catches, yards, and touchdowns than the year before.

“Last year’s numbers (are) big, that’s for sure,” McCarthy said. “I think the biggest thing is knowing what he’s capable of. We want to win every week. We definitely want to be in a position where everybody’s playing their best football at the end of this regular season. As long as that’s coupled with big numbers, I think we’ll all be happy.”

(Photo: Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

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