Dez Bryant is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Dallas Cowboys, and he is hoping he does not have to play it out. While Bryant has been vocal about wanting a new deal, nothing is imminent. At the moment, it appears the Cowboys have focused most of their money on offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
Smith signed a remarkable eight-year extension with Dallas on Wednesday that is reportedly worth around $110 million. He had two years remaining on his current deal, so the new contract will keep the 23-year-old with the Cowboys through 2023. Was Dez bothered by that?
Dez Bryant is in the last year of contract @ 1.78 mil wants 12 mil a year. Clearly upset after learning of Tyron's new 110 mil extension.
— Greg Simmons (@GregSimmonsKSAT) July 30, 2014
After Cowboys announce , 8 year 110 mil dollar extension, Dez Bryant visibly upset in parking lot with staffer and teammate.
— Greg Simmons (@GregSimmonsKSAT) July 30, 2014
Bryant has been one of the best receivers in the league for the past three seasons, so you can understand why he feels slighted. He has averaged 10 touchdowns per year during his young career, which typically is plenty to get a receiver paid. However, some off-field concerns may help explain why the Cowboys appear to be dragging their heels.
While Ian Rapoport reports that Smith’s extension makes it “nearly impossible” for the team to hammer out a new contract with Bryant, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones insists the goal is to keep both in Dallas for life.
“We’re totally committed to make Dez a Cowboy for life,” Jones told Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram earlier this week. “Our plans from Day 1 … figure a way to get Dez and Tryon extended.
I highly doubt the Cowboys let Bryant leave, but anything can happen in the NFL. Bryant could tear an ACL this season and his value would instantly decrease. You can’t blame him for wanting to get paid ASAP.
H/T Fansided
