With the deadline to sign a long-term deal set for 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, it appears that the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Dez Bryant are making progress towards getting a new deal locked in.
The #Cowboys are making real progress toward a long-term deal with Dez Bryant. Everyone, it appears, it optimistic now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
It was just earlier this week that Bryant indicated publicly he wouldn’t be attending training camp and might hold out into the season if the two sides did not come to an agreement on a long-term deal.
Bryant, 26, received the franchise tender in March, but has refused to sign off on it. Instead, he wants the security that comes with the guaranteed money a long-term deal would bring.
Remember, Dallas had offered Bryant a seven-year, $100 million contract last year. The issue there is that it included just $20 million guaranteed—a number the star receiver obviously balked at.
After putting up nearly 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns over the past three seasons, Bryant wants to be paid like the top receiver in the game. The Cowboys have a short period of time on Wednesday to make that happen or face the real possibility of him holding out this summer and into the season.
Photo: USA Today Sports