According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is weighing his options in regards to possibly sitting out the season opener, if his contract is not properly addressed.
Dez Bryant is contemplating not reporting to the Dallas Cowboys for the regular season opener unless he is signed to a long-term contract by July 15, according to sources familiar with the receiver’s negotiation strategy.
Bryant has not signed his franchise tag, which would guarantee him $12,823,000 for the 2015 season. The deadline for franchise-tagged players to negotiate and sign a long-term contract is July 15 or else Bryant’s only option is to play under the $12.823 million or not play at all.
“I’m just not going to comment about that,” said Bryant’s agent Tom Condon. “Our goal is still to get something done on a long-term basis by the deadline.”
Mike Silver of NFL.com is reporting via a conversation with Bryant, that the threat is real.
Just heard from @DezBryant regarding the @mortreport item that he may sit out Week 1 in contract dispute. 'This is no rumor; it's legit.'
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) June 12, 2015
Again, Dez Bryant just told me (of sitting out Week 1 if he doesn't have longterm contract done) 'This is no rumor; it's legit' @nflnetwork
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) June 12, 2015
The Cowboys are expected to do their best to get Bryant signed by the mid-July deadline. The report also states that Bryant’s move would be comparable to what Emmitt Smith did when he missed the first two games of the 1993 season.
Jerry Jones caved after starting 0-2 — Emmitt got paid — returned and Dallas won the Super Bowl.