If the Dallas Cowboys are concerned about starting the season without Dez Bryant, they are certainly not showing it. The wide receiver continues to hold out while waiting on a new contract while the Cowboys are not set on giving it to him. As the team looks to capitalize off the success of last year, Bryant will be critical to the effort. However, that will not come because he got a new contract according to team vice president Stephen Jones.
According to Jones, there is simply too big of a divide right now with contract negotiations to think a deal will get done by the July 15th deadline. It is unclear exactly what type of contract Bryant is looking for, but most can assume it is either equal or more than the contract Calvin Johnson signed with the Detroit Lions. Jones offered very little optimism regarding Bryant's future.
"I'm not a good speculator, but I will say this is the tough side of our game - the side that the fans don't probably love to talk about," Jones said, via SiriusXM NFL Radio. "But there is a business side of it, and we're doing what we can do, our goal ultimately being to sign Dez to a long-term contract - and I know Dez would like to have one. But this is an environment right now with a receiver market that's not exactly easy to get your hands around."
Bryant's agent Tom Condon told the media that there have not been any new conversations regarding the contract situation. Condon said the only offer placed in front of Bryant was the same offer the wide receiver turned down as he entered the final year of his rookie contract. The wide receiver has also not signed his $12.823 million franchise-tag tender after not being thrilled a deal did not get done. As result, Bryant is threatening to skip all of training camp and potentially the season opener as well.
Head coach Jason Garrett is not concerned. Speaking with the media on the first day of minicamp, Garrett spoke highly of the current players on the field noting that they are ready to work and can certainly make up for Bryant not being around.
"That's being floated by other people," Garrett said, via ESPN.com. "We're not really focused on that. Dez is getting ready to come to work. He's going to work hard every day whether he's in the building or outside the building. The guys that are here every day are going to work hard."
The Cowboys could be forced to make roster adjustments. Players like Wes Welker, James Jones and Reggie Wayne are available at least for camp purposes. Bryant's absence gives other receivers a chance to step up and improve as well. Terrance Williams steps up as the No.1 player while George Farmer, Antwan Goodley and Deontay Greenberry are also working for a roster spot.
