Dez Bryant Contract: Latest Rumors and Speculation on Negotiations with Cowboys

Updates from Friday, Nov. 14

Jon Machete of the Dallas Morning News has an update on Dez Bryant's contract negotiations, courtesy of Jerry Jones: 

Mark Lane of Fox Sports Southwest adds more from Jones:

Updates from Wednesday, Nov. 12 

Jon Mochata of The Dallas Morning News provides comments from Dez Bryant, who spoke about his desire for a new contract:

"

Not saying that they’re not for me or anybody is for me, but I’m used to a family atmosphere,” Bryant said. “But we got money involved, so they got to make sure that they’re making the right investment. And I got to make sure that I’m worthy of everything.”

[...]

“It’s all about respect,” he said. “I am a very loyal person, but just don’t test my loyalty.

 

"

Updates from Wednesday, Nov. 5 

Bleacher Report's Jason Cole breaks down how the Cowboys view Dez Bryant's decision to join Jay Z's Roc Nation agency: 

Original Text

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is in the middle of yet another standout season, but he's still in search of a new contract. However, the Cowboys reportedly have concerns about signing the wideout to a long-term deal.

Rand Getlin of Yahoo reported the latest rumor about the two sides:

"

Dallas Cowboys management has significant concerns about giving star wideout Dez Bryant a massive guarantee in a long-term contract based, in part, on off-field concerns with Bryant, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports.

(...)

According to multiple sources, the Cowboys have made a number of contract offers to the wide receiver that provided him with meaningful financial guarantees, while providing protections for themselves if any off-field issues came to affect his ability to perform on the field.

"

On the season, Bryant has already collected 50 catches for 635 yards and six touchdowns, including a late score against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Bryant signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation over the weekend, per the agency's official account.

Even with the most recent speculation, his play on the field has easily made him the No. 1 receiver on the team. But prior to the season, Cowboys executive vice president of player personnel Stephen Jones referenced contract talks with Bryant, per Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News:

Currently, Bryant has an average salary of $2,362,100 for 2014, via Spotrac.com. Though there might be an option to hit him with the franchise tag after the season, Bryant didn't seem fond of that idea, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com: "I'm going to tell you the God's honest truth: I'd be highly disappointed. I'd be highly disappointed."

During his first five seasons in the NFL, Bryant has clearly set himself apart as a top-10 wide receiver. Keeping him alongside both Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray in the future would ensure the core of the offense stays intact.

With Dallas finally making noise this year, he would be a hot commodity if the team doesn't decide to sign him long term. It should be interesting to see if Bryant ends up getting a contract similar to other top wideouts even with the off-field questions.

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