Dez Bryant's message to the Dallas Cowboys is simple, "Don't test my loyalty." The wide receiver is working through the final year of his rookie contract and has every intentions of becoming one of the highest paid wide receivers in the league alongside Calvin Johnson. It appears the Cowboys may not have the same mind set as negotiations continue to stall out. Unwilling to take a hometown discount, is there a chance Bryant departs at the end of the season?
"It's all about respect. It's all about respect," Bryant said, via ESPNDallas.com. "I am a very loyal person, but just don't test my loyalty."
Bryant has stated numerous times that he fully intends to remain in Dallas and become an "icon" in the Cowboys' franchise. However, he is not interested in taking some kind of discount in his next contract and he has no plans on being forced into a franchise tag which Dallas has in their back pocket. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys have already offered Bryant a contract worth less than $12 million per season and only had $20 million in guaranteed money. The wide receiver turned it down and promptly signed with Roc Nation Sports to help negotiations.
"I just know what I'm going to accept, and I know what I'm not going to accept," Bryant said.. "I've been here for five years. You know, it's not about the money. It's not about none of that. I just feel like a little respect should play a factor in that. I didn't make it a big deal my rookie year, my first year about getting to camp. I remember when people thought I was going to hold out and I didn't. I just wanted to get in and show that I'm worthy of being in the NFL and I can be a dominant player."
Jerry Jones told Dallas Morning News that he plans on giving Bryant his money, but needs to structure the deal in a way that keeps the team competitive in free agency. They failed to do that with Tony Romo which limited the team's future moves. There is also the issue of league-leading running back DeMarco Murray needing a new contract as well. He has been a huge piece in the Cowboys' success this season and Jones is hopeful a return is possible.
Could off-the-field issues be playing a role in Bryant's contract talks? The wide receiver has had several incidents that have tarnished his reputation. Rapoport reported that the Cowboys were hesitant to give Bryant such a large some of guaranteed money because of personal issues. Negotiations have been off for a majority of the season and likely will not pick back up until the year is over. Bryant could be forced into a franchise tag which will make for an interesting 2015.
