Dallas Cowboys star receiver Dez Bryant is reportedly considering a holdout that could extend into the upcoming 2015 NFL regular season, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones says the team is making a push to sign the All-Pro receiver to a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline. If a long-term deal isn’t negotiated and signed by then, Bryant — like all franchise-tagged players — will be forced to play out the 2015 season on the one-year, $12.823 million tender.
That’s of course unless Bryant decides to sit out the season or the team caves and gives him a contract later this summer or even early on in the season. One source cited the option of “pulling an Emmitt Smith,” referencing when the Hall of Fame running back held out during the 1993 season.
Dallas ultimately gave in after an 0-2 start, signing Smith to a new contract. That turned out to be the savvy move, as the Cowboys overcame the o-2 start and went on to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.
Only time will tell whether Bryant decides to follow in Smith’s footsteps and whether Dallas goes ahead and hands its most prolific offensive weapon the contract he warrants.
In five seasons, the former 2010 first round pick (No. 24 overall) out of Oklahoma State has caught 381 passes for 5,424 yards and 56 touchdowns. Hie’s been incredibly productive over the last three seasons, hauling in the fifth-most receptions (273) for the fourth-most receiving yards (3,935) and the most receiving touchdowns (41) in the league since 2012.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound wide out has appeared at one OTA session and participated in individual drills, but he’s not subject to mandatory attendance at mandatory minicamp next week because he’s technically not under contract.
“The Cowboys are content with paying Bryant the $12.823 million due under the franchise tag,” ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote in his mailbag piece Friday morning. “I believe the Cowboys have altered the way they do business. If they don’t get what they deem ‘team friendly’ deals, they won’t do a deal. The only exception will be the quarterback.
“Not only do I think Bryant will not have a long-term deal by July 15, I think he will be tagged again next year.”
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