Latest Regarding Contract Talks Between Cowboys & Dez Bryant

Update:

Ian Rapoport reports that the Cowboy met with WR Dez Bryant to discuss a contract extension this morning, but didn’t make much progress towards an agreement.

According to Rapoport, the Cowboys are “trying hard” to get a deal in place before Week 1’s opening game, but there’s reportedly still a “long way to go.”

• Ed Werder of ESPN reported that the Cowboys and Bryant are “exploring contract possibilities with sense of urgency,” but aren’t sure if they will be able to reach an agreement before the start of the regular season.
• Mike Silver of the NFL Network reported Tuesday that contract talks between the two sides have “intensified greatly” and there is a chance of a deal getting down before Thursday’s preseason finale.

However, the time crunch could force them to put off contract talks until after the season, as Bryant has said that he doesn’t want to think about a contract once games are being played.

Bryant, 25, is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the season and has emerged as one of the best receivers in the game today. He stands to make just $1.78 million for the 2014 season.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see Bryant end up with a contract that pays him over $10 million annually.

Last year, Bryant hauled in 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.

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According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, the Cowboys have been trying to get WR Dez Bryant to sign a similarly structured contract to the one LT Tyron Smith received not too long ago.

However, Cole reports that Bryant has no interest in this type of contract that would essentially pay him as the contract plays out and included less in terms of “real money” and guarantees.

Cole could see Bryant and his agent waiting the Cowboys out and trying to maximize their leverage at a later point, instead of taking what they can get right now.

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Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reports that the Cowboys and Pro Bowl WR Dez Bryant have made some progress on a new contract in recent weeks.

• However, Rapoport adds that nothing is imminent at this point in time and it’s “up in the air” as to whether or not an agreement is in place before the start of the season.
• According to Rapoport, Dallas is “motivated” to get a deal done in the coming days.

Bryant said on Monday that the doesn’t want contract talks spilling into the season.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” Bryant said, via ESPN.com. “Put it behind me. I love this game. Either way, I feel like I can’t be distracted once I’m on the football field.”

Though, Bryant did confirm that the two sides remain in contract.

“We’re in conversation,” Bryant said. “I’ll say that. We’re talking. We are talking. It only gets better from there. Let’s see what happens.”