CeeDee Lamb Cowboys wild receiver just announced his departure due to…

As the team began optional offseason exercises, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb made himself scarce, with no sign of an extension in sight.

According to a person with knowledge of the issue, Lamb was not present for Monday’s first day of the offseason program, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Lamb’s decision to forgo the first round of the voluntary offseason workouts—basically, meetings and conditioning—is hardly shocking.

The three-time Pro Bowler will soon begin the fifth year of his rookie deal, which has a fully guaranteed salary of $17.991 million. Lamb is owed much more in the future, considering his production and value to the Cowboys.

The division rival Eagles have extended DeVonta Smith’s contract by three years for a total of $75 million, which has further intensified the perception of Lamb missing workouts. Lamb is probably going to aim far higher than Smith’s $25 million annual average, and if additional players, like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, become available for new contracts, the price may go up as the process drags on.

Given the voluntary nature of the offseason program, Lamb’s withdrawal is a typical negotiation tactic. It serves to remind people that there is still work to be done. His absence from the required minicamp in June would make a bigger impression. Furthermore, it will be more problematic if, in July, an agreement is still not reached and he either holds out or performs a hold-in at training camp.

Although Lamb’s lack of exercise is noteworthy for the time being, a deal can still be completed.