It’s amazing what a deadline can do to put two sides at the table and clear the air. After weeks of suggestions that the Dallas Cowboys and star wide receiver Dez Bryant wouldn’t be coming to terms on a long-term deal by Wednesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, multiple reports now indicate that the two sides are finalizing a deal.
Source: The #Cowboys and Dez Bryant are finalizing a long-term contract extension. It’s happening.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
Dez Bryant now on his way to Cowboys' facility — assuming the two sides can put finishing touches on deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2015
This is a massive about-face for both sides. Bryant had previously indicated a willingness to hold out if he didn’t receive a long-term deal from the team. Meanwhile, Dallas had remained firm that Bryant would eventually sign off on the franchise tender it gave him back in March.
It’s being reported that the deal is for five years and $70 million.
The #Cowboys and Dez Bryant have an agreement in principle on a 5-year, $70M deal, per sources.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen is reporting that the deal calls for $45 million in guaranteed cash.
Long seen as a malcontent off the field, Bryant has been among the most dominating receivers on the field. He’s put up nearly 4,000 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns over the past three seasons. These numbers indicate that he should have been taken care of a long time ago. Though, Dallas was hesitant to give someone with extensive off-field issues a ton of guaranteed money.
That all changed with a looming deadline Wednesday afternoon.
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