The Dallas Cowboys have started their offseason program and with Dez Bryant absent, the wide receiver could be prepared to hold out this summer in training camp after getting hit with the franchise tag and this comes as a trade for Adrian Peterson could be an option or Jerry Jones along with Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley or Ameer Abdullah in the draft at running back.
The Cowboys have a number of concerns heading into offseason workouts, including targeting players in the draft, finding production after losing DeMarco Murray and also dealing with Dez Bryant's contract situation. Bryant had a huge season last year and the team was expected to make him a priority over Murray. Clearly that has happened with Murray going to the Eagles, but Bryant remains unsigned after getting hit with the franchise tag.
According to Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas, Bryant was a no-show for the start of offseason workouts for the Cowboys, although that was an expected development for the team. The Cowboys did not expect Bryant to show up for these workouts with the wideout unsigned, but they are hoping to get a deal done soon. While it is not looking good for a long term contract this offseason, the Dallas Morning News reports that the team is still hopeful that a deal can get done. Bryant said during the season that he hoped he would not get hit with the franchise tag and now that it has happened, there is a chance he could hold out.
Bryant is one of many players not showing up for offseason workouts, including players who have been hit with the franchise tag like Demaryius Thomas, Justin Houston and Jason Pierre-Paul. Bryant had 88 catches last season for 1320 yards and 16 touchdowns and he showed why he is one of the best in the league and the top weapon for Tony Romo. This year for WRs the deal is a one-year, $12.823 million tender.
The Cowboys are also an option for the Adrian Peterson trade, but that deal could be tough to work out due to the salary cap. According to Jason Cole at Bleacher Report, Peterson's "dream scenario" is to end up with the Dallas Cowboys. Reports have Peterson unhappy with returning to the Minnesota Vikings, but right now it looks like he will be back with the team. The Cowboys just freed up cap space by working Tony Romo's contract, but that may not be enough to get Peterson. The team already assigned Darren McFadden and they also may target names like Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon in the draft.
According to ESPN.com, Peterson has officially been reinstated to the NFL and has moved off of the exempt list, but that doesn't mean the Vikings will look at trading him yet. The team has been consistent about saying they want Peterson back for 2015 and right now they have the leverage. ESPN reports that Bryant likely will be on the franchise tag this year and that could lead to the team playing some hardball with Bryant when the two come to the table again.