Dez Bryant has said he wants to become a legend with the Dallas Cowboys. He wants to be a face of the franchise. However, he does not plan on that happening as a result of taking a hometown discount for the team that drafted him in the first round. While Bryant wants to stay in Dallas, he also intends on getting paid which is where things could get messy heading into the offseason. However, owner and Head Cowboys Jerry Jones, is saying that he has no intentions of letting Bryant go anywhere in his next contract.
According to Jones, via the Fort Worth Star Telegram, the Cowboys will go all-in in terms of negotiating with Bryant for his next long-term deal. However, if a deal cannot be made, the team will likely use the franchise tag on the wide receiver, something that will not make Bryant very happy. Yes, the one-year deal will certainly give him a nice pay raise, but Bryant has been very vocal about his desire to get a long-term deal sooner rather than later.
"It's all about respect. It's all about respect," Bryant said, via ESPNDallas.com. "I am a very loyal person, but just don't test my loyalty. I just know what I'm going to accept, and I know what I'm not going to accept. I've been here for five years. 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."
Bryant has the numbers to get a big contract this offseason. The wide receiver has 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns on the season, playing a big role in why the team got the NFC East title and are bound for the playoffs. ProFootballTalk.com reports that Bryant will not be happy with a franchise tag and could very easily opt to hold out for a portion of offseason workouts. The wide receiver switched agents in order to make sure he could get the most money possible.
The issue for the Cowboys is whether or not they can afford the contract. The team has Tony Romo signed to a lengthy deal DeMarco Murray, currently the leading rusher in the league, needs a new contract. Rolando McClain, in the running for Comeback Player of the Year, will need a contract. A franchise tag to Bryant might be all the team can afford this year.
