Why Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant Will Not Hold Out

There has been a lot of recent talk about the possibility of Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant holding out for an extended period of time. Bryant was the 24th overall selection in this year’s draft, but most would agree he is far greater than the 24th most talented player. 

The Cowboys have made it clear they are not willing to pay Bryant much more than his draft slot dictates, although Bryant’s agent will likely seek extra money.

Nonetheless, there are a variety of reasons Bryant will not hold out for an extended period of time.

The Presence of Miles Austin & Co. Lessens Bryant’s leverage

Make no mistake about it: Dez Bryant will be a major component of the Cowboys’ offense in 2010 and for years to come.

However, Bryant was still a value pick.

Not many people (including us) thought Dallas would select a wide receiver so early.  They probably would have been fine at the position without Bryant, but his talent was too much to pass up.

With Austin, the Cowboys have a legitimate No. 1 receiver. The Cowboys would love to get Bryant signed as quickly as possible, but they are in no dire need from a personnel standpoint to do so (and Bryant knows it).

The Cowboys have a great relationship with Bryant’s agent, Eugene Parker

The Cowboys have worked with Parker in the past with much success. Yes, Parker was Michael Crabtree’s agent when he staged a lengthy holdout last season, but Bryant’s situation is completely different.

First, the difference between top five money (which Crabtree was seeking) and top 10 money is vast, much greater than the difference in compensation for which Bryant and Parker will initially be searching and what Dallas will offer.

Secondly, no matter what you may hear, Bryant is less of a diva than Crabtree.  Crabtree’s primary focus was money. Bryant’s focus is playing football.

Bryant will want to avoid the negative publicity of a holdout

He has already been criticized over character concerns such as a poor work ethic and lack of ideal attitude toward football (both of which are unfounded). These qualms were certainly major factors in why he dropped in the first round of the draft.

Bryant knows there are a ton of people, some even Dallas fans, who are still on the fence regarding his future. He has all the talent in the world, but is he mentally and emotionally ready for the spotlight?

He’ll want to prove that is the case.

Read the final two reasons here at DallasCowboysTimes.com.