Dez Bryant Still Optimistic But Wants Respect, Loyalty In Contract Talks
IRVING, Texas (105.3 THE FAN) - Dez Bryant's desire to be a "Cowboy for life" has not faded. But on Wednesday he made it clear that through the frustration of waiting on a contract extension, he'd like to make certain that commitment is reciprocated.
"It's about respect," Bryant said calmly. "I'm a very loyal person. But just don't test my loyalty.'
The Cowboys standout receiver didn't mean his words to sound ominous. He was careful to note that he's optimistic about a "compromise" regarding a long-term contract extension and that he hasn't been made to feel disrespected by anything the Joneses have said or done.
But Bryant concedes that "respect" in his business is measured by finances and as Ben Rogers and I have been reported on The Fan since July, a deal in the range of $10 mil a year simply won't get this done.
"I just know what I'm going to accept and I know what I'm not going to accept," Bryant said. "I love it [here]. I really do. But every day you grow. Let's see what happens. They will do what they have to do, we'll do what we have to do. At the end of the day, I'm sure we'll come to a nice agreement."
Even short of an agreement, the Cowboys can put the franchise tag on Dez for 2015 and pay him about $12.8 mil. But that is a fallback option. More immediately, sources close to the situation suggest to me that agent Tom Condon and the Cowboys see this bye-week period as an opportunity to open discussions anew.
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