Stephen Jones reveals Dallas Cowboys sent CeeDee Lamb new contract offer on Friday

Could there be movement in the negotiating stalemate between CeeDee Lamb and the Cowboys? Stephen Jones said the team sent their star receiver a new offer.

Jane Slater of NFL Network said Jones told her Saturday about the offer, which came Friday night. Slater said Jones indicated he was having good conversations with Lamb’s representatives.

But it remains to be seen if the Cowboys are ready to give Lamb what he wants. And that’s to be the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. When the Cowboys opened camp, Thursday, Jones told reporters that both Lamb and Micah Parsons desire that pay check.

“Both of them, rightfully so, believe they should be the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league,” Jones said. “Totally respect that. So very difficult situations that we’re trying to work through with them.”

The NFL salary market is a hot one right now. Packers quarterback Jordan Love agreed to a deal Friday that will pay him $55 million a year. Earlier in the day, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa received a deal worth $53.1 million a season.

There’s a big gap in money between the elite quarterbacks and the other positions. But Lamb, even Parsons, likely wants to better the deal recently signed by Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. The former LSU standout signed a contract worth $35 million a year. Last summer, 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa became the highest-paid non quarterback when he signed a contract worth $34 million annually.

The receiver market got whacky this off season. A year ago, Tyreek Hill was the highest-paid wideout at $30 million a year. Jefferson bettered that amount and so did Eagles star A.J. Brown ($32 million) and Lions’ standout Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30.002 million).

Consider that Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals also is in line for a new contract that possibly could blow past the one signed by Jefferson. The Cowboys might want to close the deal, quickly, because the price is escalating.

Lamb has not participated in any Cowboys team activities this off season. And he’s not in Oxnard, Calif., where the Cowboys are conducting training camp. Instead, Lamb reportedly is in the Houston area, where he grew up, and is keeping in shape.

Jones also needs to worry about Parsons and quarterback Dak Prescott. However, unlike Lamb, both those players are at training camp getting ready for the season. Dallas picked up Parsons’ fifth-year option on his rookie deal, so he’s under contract through 2025. Meanwhile, Prescott is entering the final season of his agreement.

If nothing happens with Lamb, he’ll make $17.99 million this season.