Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that there is “nothing going on” right now between the Cowboys and franchise WR Dez Bryant towards a long-term contract extension.
“I don’t know where they get the optimism from,” said Florio’s source regarding reports that a deal could be in place at some point in the near future. “There’s literally nothing going on.”
According to Florio, the optimism could be coming from the Cowboys, as some have reported that Dallas believes Bryant will eventually cave in and accept their offer that’s currently on the table.
On top of that, there are some around the league who believe Bryant could still attend training camp, even without an extension in place.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter seemed to refute reports of a potential deal earlier in the week.
“Despite reports that they think a deal could be coming down this week. Today, a deal doesn’t sound like it’s close,” Schefter said during an appearance on ESPN Radio Monday, via the Dallas Morning News. “It doesn’t sound like anything’s close.
“A week from now? We may be having an entirely different conversation. Last moment, one side steps up, the other side gives in, they meet in the middle. But today, as we stand, I don’t think we’re going to get a deal with Dez Bryant.”
The two sides met a few weeks ago and until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension.
Bryant previously threatened to hold out of Week 1’s game unless they were able to reach an agreement on a long-term contract. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that sources around the league aren’t buying Bryant’s threat.
Dallas used their franchise tag on Bryant a few months ago, which means they’re looking at paying him a salary of $12.823 million fully guaranteed for the 2015 season. A long-term extension would offer them some immediate cap relief, but all indications have been that the Cowboys are approaching this situation with a great deal of caution.
Bryant, 26, caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns over the course of 16 games for Dallas last year. Pro Football Focus has Bryant rated as the No. 2 wide receiver in the league.
We’ll have more regarding Bryant and the Cowboys as the news is available.
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