Dez Bryant Contract Impasse Won't Be Issue for the Cowboys Down the Stretch

IRVING, Texas—The bye week has come and gone and there has been no contract extension for Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.

Owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged cursory conversations with Bryant's new representatives at Roc Nation Sports and veteran agent Tom Condon, who will handle the negotiations.

But that's it.

Bryant cut off talks at the start of the season when a deal wasn't done before the opener to avoid distractions and focus only on football.

But he left the door open for the possibility of getting something consummated during the bye week.

"I feel like what is understood shouldn't be explained," Bryant said last week when asked if he would nudge his agents toward getting something done during the bye. "It shouldn't have to be explained." 

It didn't happen.

Bryant spent the weekend popping bottles in New York at a Roc Nation "Welcome Bash" in his honor at Jay Z's 40/40 night club. Roc Nation is owned by the powerful rapper.

Ironically, the Cowboys return from the bye with a game at the New York Giants Sunday, paving the way for Bryant to make a return trip to the Big Apple.

But don't look for Bryant to make another stop at the 40/40 club or to be sidetracked by the lack of progress on a contract extension.

The two sides remain far apart on a new deal. And Bryant made waves last week with some pointed words to Jones and the Cowboys regarding their apparent unwillingness to offer him a contract in line with the top three receivers in the game.

"I just know what I’m going to accept and I know what I’m not going to accept," Bryant said. "You know, it’s not about the money. It’s not about none of that. I just feel like a little respect should play a factor in that. I love it (here). I really do. But every day you grow. Let’s see what happens. It’s all about respect. It’s all about respect. I am a very loyal person, but just don’t test my loyalty."

No Cowboys offer has come with more than $10 million in guaranteed money, which is ludicrous considering the baseline of anything that's going to make Bryant happy likely comes with a starting point of roughly $13 million annually and $30 million in guaranteed money.

The Cowboys have taught Bryant a lesson about separating business and personal issues.

Jones has stuck by Bryant through a lot issues on and off the field during his time in Dallas, so much so that he says he looks at his growth and maturity like a proud father looks at his son.

But Bryant has seen a different side to the relationship of late and says things have changed.

“Yeah, because I’m used to, 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.”

"I learned a lot. I learned a lot," Bryant said. "It’s truly a business. It’s truly a business. You live and you learn. I just think it’s all business. They have to do what they have to do. I have to do what I have to do. And I’m pretty sure we’ll come to a nice agreement."

At the end of the day, that's Jones' attitude as well. However, he said a lack of loyalty is not a factor.

“We’re loyal guys,” Jones said. “Of all the players I’ve been associated with over the years, I’ve had a chance to probably have more personal interaction with Dez. You can count on us. If the hair gets short, there’s a little problem. We can count on each other to work it out. And that’s the way it’s been for the first five years that we’ve been together.”

Tough talk aside, the contract issue won't be a distraction for Bryant and the Cowboys down the stretch.

Bryant leads the Cowboys with 56 catches for 793 yards and eight touchdowns. The Cowboys expect the same level of production over the final six games.

“It’s not a distraction at all. It obviously didn’t distract Dez, and it doesn’t distract us,” Jones said. “It’s a meaningful contract to the degree that it does, and will, impact our financial management of our salary cap, which a big part of what helps get a good team on the field. So, it deserves the kind of attention that we’re giving it.”

It didn't bother Bryant during the team's strong start to the season and it won’t affect him now.

He said his focus is on helping the Cowboys finish strong, winning the NFC East and making a deep playoff run.

"It's not going to bother me at all because of the fact that I love this game and I would be selfish if I made this all about me," Bryant said. "I know what me and my teammates have been working on what we are trying to get. The Cowboys and everybody knows where my head is when it comes to this situation."

Clarence Hill covers the Cowboys for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.