Dez Bryant is now signed to Roc Nation Sports with every intentions of getting a large contract extension in the offseason. The wide receiver attempted to negotiate a new deal with the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason, but salary cap constraints made it difficult to get anything nailed down. Now, Bryant has new management and the goal of becoming the highest paid wide receiver. However, do the Cowboys have the same plan in mind?
Bryant wants to be an icon. He wants to be one with Roc Nation Sports and with the Dallas Cowboys. Because he wants to be an icon, he wants to get paid like one.
"I feel like it fits me," Bryant said, via Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com. "It fits what I'm trying to do, what I'm trying to accomplish in life. I want to be the best that I can possibly be. It ain't about a contract. It's about me branding myself and being an icon for these kids. I love kids and they look up to me. I come from dirt - point blank, period - and every day I'm writing my story and it's getting better."
Accordign to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones did not want Bryant signing with Roc Nation for fear that it might make negotiations more difficult in the offseason. Right now, Calvin Johnson leads the contract pack for wide receivers, getting paid $48.75 million in guaranteed money. Bryant likely wants that and more and Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Cowboys have some reservations about granting that kind of money.
It is no secret the wide receiver comes with off-the-field baggage. Bryant has dealt with anger issues that have caused him to have sideline outburst. He was also arrested and charged with assault following a 2012 domestic dispute issue. This leaves the Cowboys trying to decide the best route to take with Bryant. The wide receiver is a crucial part to the team's offense and they cannot afford to lose him, but how much is he worth?
The Cowboys have their franchise tag in their back pocket that could be used on Bryant. However, the wide receiver told ESPN that he would be very disappointed if the Cowboys took that route over giving him a new extension.
"I'm going to tell you the God's honest truth: I'd be highly disappointed. I'd be highly disappointed," Bryant said.
The franchise tag will certainly give Bryant a nice chunk of change, but the receiver wants a long-term deal. The Cowboys also have to think about the future of DeMarco Murray which could factor into what they do with Bryant.
