Reports are indicating that wide receiver Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys are close to working out a long-term extension. Bryant had been given the franchise tag on March 2nd, which would’ve paid him $12.823 million for 2015 if him and the Cowboys were unable to get a deal done. The news avoids a possible holdout on the part of the talented wideout.
Dez Bryant and the #Cowboys will be signing a 5-year deal, I’m told. They are putting the finishing touches on it
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the extension is for five years even though monetary details remain unclear. This new development is important due to the fact that deadline to get a deal done is today at 3 pm. If the two sides were unable to come to an agreement by that time, Bryant would’ve had to play the 2015 season under the aforementioned franchise tag. According to sources, the amount of guaranteed money for Bryant was the biggest hurdle in negotiations.
Bryant, 26, has been the Cowboys best receiver for several years. Last season he made 88 receptions for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. He led the NFL in receiving touchdowns and also set the Cowboys team record for most receiving touchdowns in a season. In his five season NFL career, spent entirely with Dallas, he has played 75 games, starting 61. In total, Bryant has 381 career receptions for 5,424 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Bryant was named to the NFL All-Pro team in 2014 and was a Pro Bowl selection in both 2013 and 2014. He was also name the Pro Football Writers Association Most Improved Player in 2010.
Bryant was the Cowboys first round pick, 24th overall, in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Galveston County, TX native played his college football at Oklahoma State. He garnered consensus first-team All-American honors during his sophomore season in 2008 while missing most of 2009 due to being ruled ineligible by the NCAA.
Update 15:20:
The deal is reported to be a 5 year, $70 million Contract with $45 million guaranteed.
Final Dez Bryant numbers: 5 years, $70M, $45M guaranteed. Simply, wow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2015
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