The situations between Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys and Demaryius Thomas and the Denver Broncos are almost identical. The franchise-tagged wide receivers are two of the best in the game at their position, and they both want to be paid like they’re No. 1.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, contract talks between Bryant and the Cowboys will be “very active” ahead of Wednesday, which is the deadline for players to sign their franchise tenders. However, a deal likely won’t be reached if Bryant continues to demand more money than Calvin Johnson.
Dez Bryant is still asking for more than Megatron money. Talks will be very active. But one source involved: “We have a long way to go.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2015
The Cowboys have reportedly offered Bryant a contract with an average annual salary of more than the $12.8 million franchise tag. Their initial offer to the 26-year-old was roughly $60 million over six seasons, so they have obviously come up.
Rapoport also reiterated that the Cowboys do not believe that Bryant will miss regular season games.
As for Dez Bryant’s threat of sitting, #Cowboys don’t buy it. He’s been at the facility countless times this offseason — not under contract
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2015
Calvin Johnson makes more than $16 million per season. The second-highest paid receiver in the league, Mike Wallace, makes roughly $12 million. Both Bryant and Thomas want more money than Megatron gets, and the NFL Players Association is working to determine if the Cowboys and Broncos engaged in collusion to assure that Bryant’s and Thomas’ salaries don’t approach Johnson money.
By sending this tweet, Bryant was obviously trying to prove he is serious about holding out. The Cowboys believe he is bluffing about missing games, and he very well could be. With game checks that exceed $700,000, there comes a point where you just have to show up to work and hope for a better outcome next offseason.
