If the Dallas Cowboys blinked, they likely missed the brief appearance of Dez Bryant on the last day of minicamp who came to hear head coach Jason Garrett's closing speech before the team takes a month off heading into training camp. Bryant has been a contract holdout for all of OTAs and minicamp while threatening to skip all of training camp and even the first game of the season if the Cowboys do not get him under a new contract by the July 15 deadline. Owner Jerry Jones admits that he is not worried about Bryant following through on the threat.
Bryant confirmed that he would sit out Week 1 of the season if a new contract is not agreed upon while stating that financial security is the top priority for him right now. However, Jones does not believe that will end up being the case.
"I have no doubt that he'll be leading the way against the Giants," Jones said via the Dallas Morning News. "We just know how competitive Dez is and how much he wants to beat the Giants and how much he wants to support his teammates."
Bryant has yet to sign his franchise tag deal worth $13 million for the upcoming season after the team failed to agree with the wide receiver on a long-term contract extension. That was not pleasing to Bryant who is looking for a contract likely upwards to what Calvin Johnson is currently earning with the Detroit Lions. The issue is the unknown market for top wide receivers. Julio Jones, Demaryius Thomas and AJ Green are also waiting for the market to set itself out and Bryant is aiming to be the player that does it. While Thomas is holding out alongside Bryant, Jones made it clear he is not following in their paths simply because he wants to win in 2015.
The Cowboys have salary cap space they can use to sign Bryant, but other moves might take priority. Brandon Carr is currently in talks for a new contract as Dallas needs the cornerback to take a pay cut in the coming year. They are also getting linked to Ray Rice or another free agent in order to help the uncertain running back rotation.
Jones admitted the chances are slim Bryant gets a new contract at the deadline. The Cowboys front office appears very content letting another team be the first to pull the trigger on setting the receiver market. Bryant's deal will then be dictated off that. If no one gets signed this offseason, Dallas can franchise Bryant one more season where they can expect an even lengthy hold out.
