The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly making a strong push to sign Dez Bryant to a long-term contract before the franchise tender deadline passes at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Cowboys have increased their offer to Bryant and expressed a willingness to pay him more than $13 million per season. The 26-year-old wide receiver is said to be pleased with the direction of the negotiations.
From @Rand_Getlin & me: #Cowboys increased their offer to Dez Bryant beyond $13M, making a strong push. Bryant is more optimistic than ever
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
On Tuesday, Rapoport reported that Bryant is seeking more money than Calvin Johnson got when he signed a massive extension with the Detroit Lions in 2012. Johnson is the highest-paid receiver in the NFL with an average annual salary of roughly $16 million. Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace is the second-highest paid at $12 million a year.
Perhaps asking for $16 million was Bryant’s way of aiming high. In reality, he would likely be content with a five- or six-year deal with an annual salary that exceeds the $12.8 million franchise tag number, depending on how much guaranteed money he gets.
The guaranteed money could be the biggest holdup in discussions, as one report indicates that the Cowboys are concerned that giving Bryant a bunch of money up front could lead to off-field issues.
In any event, optimism from Bryant would be a far cry from the emotions he was feeling when he sent this tweet earlier in the week.
