Cowboys 'Comfortable' With Coming New Dez Deal
By Mike Fisher | @fishsports
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) -- Dez Bryant likes to tell me he's a "hyperactive kid,'' a fact that makes his wait on a "Cowboys For Life'' contract all the more challenging. But sources tell me his wait is almost over, the two sides having moved to such a negotiating comfort level that there is discussion about announcing a done deal following the July 4 weekend.
The specific structure of a new deal — maybe worth $100 million spread over seven years — is not yet known. But I am told that owner Jerry Jones wants to make a "positive mark'' on what figures to be one of the most high-impact contracts he'll pay as Cowboys owner.
Meanwhile, team management wishes to avoid any negativity (resulting from a holdout or even from long-term disgruntlement should Bryant simply play under the $12.832 million franchise tag) that could detract from this team's cause — which includes Bryant serving as a leader on a contending team.
So Bryant and Jones work to make this "positive mark'' together. And the optimism is high enough to essentially agree to take a break from talks during the holiday weekend.
I'm told all involved need clarity about how the guaranteed portion of the deal will be paid (when, as well as which parts are "virtual guarantees'') but otherwise reports of negativity and conflict are about as real as the Dez Walmart Unicorn Video.
There are not presently plans to make an announcement before July 4. The ideal time period is from Monday, July 6 and, of course, the July 15 deadline to create a tag-avoiding new deal.
And if all goes as planned: The "hyperactive kid'' takes his place on the field as one of the NFL's best players … and is paid that way.
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