Jimmy Graham’s New Contract Could Be “Baseline” For Dez Bryant?

 

Todd Archer of ESPN.com believes the recent contract agreement between the Saints and TE Jimmy Graham could end up being the “baseline” for Cowboys WR Dez Bryant.

In case you missed it, Graham’s new contract is worth a reported $40 million over the course of four years and includes $21 million guaranteed.

As Archer points out, Graham’s production over the last three years is actually very close to Bryant’s.

• Graham: 270 receptions for 3,507 yards and 36 touchdowns.
• Bryant: 248 receptions for 3,543 yards and 34 touchdowns.

Graham’s new contract sets the bar higher in terms of annual salary and puts him in the group of the highest paid receivers in the NFL, who make over $10 million per year.

As of now, the list of receivers who make an average salary of over $10 million and at least $20 million guaranteed includes: Brandon Marshall, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe and Vincent Jackson.

Bryant, 25, is set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2015 and has emerged as one of the best receivers in the NFL. Furthermore, he has said that he would like to be paid as such.

“Yeah, I deserve it,” Bryant told ESPNDallas.com in late May. “I deserve it. I feel like I do. I put the work in, but I let that kind of stuff take care of itself. It is what it is. I let my agent talk about it and give me some feedback.” He also added that he could give Dallas a, “hometown discount.”

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones told reporters back on May 30 that there’s “a real possibility” that they could have an agreement in place either before or during the 2014 season with Bryant.

In 2013, Bryant hauled 93 receptions for 1233 yards to go along with a career-high 13 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has Bryant rated as the No. 22 wide receiver in the league.

We have Bryant listed as the No. 4 player in our Top 25 – 2015 Free Agents list.