NFL Notes: Dez Bryant, Cowboys, Jaguars, Rams

Dez Bryant

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones mentioned that they hope to keep WR Dez Bryant in Dallas for the remainder of his career.

“What we want to do is have an agreement for the rest of Dez’s career,” Jones said, via Jon Machota of Dallas Morning News. “To me, that says a lot about the concern about off-the-field [issues] if we want him on the Dallas Cowboys for the rest of his career.

“I’m real impressed with how he’s evolved over the last several years, or we wouldn’t be in serious contract negotiations with him. So I think all of that is where it really is, and I do look for us to get something done with Dez.”

Meanwhile, Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones said that they’ve made Bryant some “some really nice contracts,” in recent months.

“We’ve offered him some really nice contracts,” Jones said. “We also have to respect his views on where it is. My take on those things is that they ultimately find a way.

“I have a lot of confidence we will. I think Dez wants to be here and I know we want him here.”

Cowboys

• S J.J. Wilcox suffered a neck “burner” during Week 10’s game against the Jaguars. (Bryan Broaddus)

Jaguars

• Rookie WR Marqise Lee is expected to see an expanded role following the season-ending foot injury fellow rookie WR Allen Robinson sustained.

“The challenge for him was taking it from the practice field to the game field,” HC Gus Bradley said, via FOX Sports Florida. “Now with this heightened opportunity for him, hopefully he takes advantage of it.“

Rams

• Free agent-to-be RT Joe Barksdale mentioned that he hopes to re-sign with the Rams during the offseason.

“It’s been great,” Barksdale said, via Jim Thomas of the St Louis Post-Dispatch. “I say it all the time. This staff gave me a second chance. I was a guy coming off the street, and honestly, I still feel like that guy today. You know, just as far as being motivated and work ethic.”