The Dallas Cowboys could be losing one of its wide receivers even before training camp starts for next season. Dez Bryant is threatening to sit out if a bigger and longer deal is not settled with the Texas-based football team.
Reports have been circulating throughout yesterday that the 26-year-old athlete has made strong demands about his contract with the team. ESPN's Ed Werder reported that Bryant personally informed Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones that he wants to stay with the team for the entirety of his career, but he would only do so if Dallas offers him a long term contract with a pay appropriate for a "top receiver in the league."
Jones initially denied the reports, saying the player didn't make such statements. However, it seems Bryant isn't ready to sweep the issue under the rug. To verify the reports, Dez took to his Twitter to confirm his rumored demands.
"As much as I love football...on my beautiful babies.. I apologize #cowboynation but I will not be there if no deal," he tweeted, together with the hashtag "#fact".
The Cowboys initially used the franchise tag on Bryant in March, Sports Illustarted reported. Should he sign the franchise tag for the season, he would receive $12.82 million.
In 2014, the first round pick in the 2010 drafts completed 88 receptions, 1,320 yards and had 16 touchdowns. Bryant has had a total of 56 TDs and 5,424 yards in his career.
The Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to face the New York Giants on Spet 13 for their first match this coming NFL 2015 season.