Cowboys could release Dez Bryant following meeting with Jerry Jones

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is expected to meet with team owner Jerry Jones later this week to discuss his future with the franchise, and it sounds like a legitimate possibility that the two sides could go their separate ways.

Josh Clark of 105.3 The Fan reports that Jones and Bryant will meet on Friday to discuss the star wide receiver’s contract. With Bryant set to make $12.5 million in base salary and count $16.5 million against the cap, there is a belief that the only way he can remain in Dallas is by agreeing to a pay cut. Perhaps Jones will be able to convince him to do that, but there has been no indication to this point that Bryant is willing to go that route.

With the draft approaching and the Cowboys holding their first official offseason workout on Monday, the clock is ticking on making a decision with Bryant. According to a report from ESPN’s Josina Anderson, that decision is one that will be made by Jones.

Asked if the #Cowboys have made a decision on WR Dez Bryant & if any change is expected before Apr. 16th, before the start of the team's offseason conditioning program, I was told, "no news. Up to Jerry," per source.

— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 9, 2018

Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones, Jerry’s son, made some comments earlier this offseason that could indicate he is growing tired of Bryant’s antics. More importantly, Bryant isn’t nearly as important to the Cowboys’ offense as he was when Tony Romo was under center and Ezekiel Elliott wasn’t the focal point of the team. While Jerry Jones probably wants to work something out to keep a player he has invested so much in, it may not make sense for either side.