The Dallas Cowboys are setting themselves up for a crucial offseason in terms of re-signing some of their biggest stars. Thanks to the monster contract signed by quarterback Tony Romo, the Cowboys were fairly limited in the moves they could make this past offseason, making 2015 big when it comes to opening up the checkbook. However, not everyone can re-sign and Dez Bryant is making sure that he is not one of them.
Bryant is waiting patiently for a new contract. The wide receiver has said all of the right things in front of the media as he and Dallas continue to try and workout a long-term deal. However, negotiations continue to stall which is pushing things to the wire. As a result, Bryant is getting a new team of people to help push things along. According to ESPN.com, Bryant is the newest athlete signed to Jay Z's roc Nation. Sources report that Bryant wants to become "an icon" for the Dallas Cowboys.
The wide receiver is in the final year of his five-year, $11.8 million rookie contract. After firing his former management, Bryant called off negotiations with Dallas last offseason after things continue to stall out. Now he is loaded with a high-profiled group representing him and is reporting seeking a contract worth at least $13 million a season which would make him one of the highest paid receivers in the league.
"I feel like it fits me," Bryant said, via ESPN.com. "It fits what I'm trying to do, what I'm trying to accomplish in life. I want to be the best that I can possibly be. It ain't about a contract. It's about me branding myself and being an icon for these kids. I love kids and they look up to me. I come from dirt -- point blank, period -- and every day I'm writing my story and it's getting better. I feel like they were the best choice for me."
Bryant is one of the best offensive weapons the Cowboys have, but they must be wise in how they spend their money on him. If a deal fails to work out, the Cowboys could use their franchise tag to keep the wide receiver around for at least two more seasons. Could Dallas take that option while they look to re-sign DeMarco Murray?
The Cowboys finally have a balanced offense and Murray has played a large part in that, already having 1,133 yards on the season while averaging 125.9 per game. He has helped Romo be more successful and Dallas is winning as a result. However, the running back is in the final year of his contract and will be looking for a solid raise considering the numbers he is putting up. The Dallas Morning News believes Murray is out at the end of the year considering the Cowboys have Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar to work with, but they are no Murray. Letting the running back go could be a big hit for the offense.
