Dallas Cowboys' wide receiver Dez Bryant (#88) (Photo : Reuters)
As the July 15 deadline draws near, Dez Bryant, his agents, and Dallas Cowboys executives resume contract negotiations to try and get the wide receiver to start for the team in September.
Held this week at the Cowboy's team facility, it was the first time in almost four months that both parties have met in person to discuss the 26-year-old's financial and playing future in Dallas, as per ESPN.
The former Oklahoma State standout still has yet to sign the $12.8 million franchise tender offered to him as he is firm on his desire to have a longer and more secure contract. If the discussions go beyond the deadline, then Bryant has no choice but to play under the tender or not play at all. Negotiations will then be able to commence at the end of the coming 2015 season, according to NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones had expressed interest in getting Bryant the deal that he wanted as early as last month, although he admitted that a lot of work must be done to achieve it. Jones stressed that the management wants Bryant to stay and to play for the team this season and they will do anything for that to happen.
Bryant had been visiting only a few voluntary team workouts this offseason, even the last day of the mandatory minicamp, just to show his loyalty. But his camp reportedly wants a long-term deal with an average annual salary in the level of Detroit Lions' wideout Calvin Johnson, which is about $16 million per year.
However, the Cowboys are allegedly willing to offer him only a $12.2 million a year salary, which is basically the same amount given to left tackle Tyron Smith last year.
