Dez Bryant led the NFL in touchdown receptions in 2014, and wants to be paid at the upper echelon of his position in a new, long-term deal. The Dallas Cowboys and their star wideout have not made any progress on that deal, according to reports, and despite rumors a compromise would be reached this week.
Bryant’s representation has threatened to extend his holdout into the regular season, although Jason Cole of Bleacher Report wrote that the Cowboys are not believers.
Last weekend Cole listed three reasons why “no progress” had been made on a new deal for Bryant.
“The Cowboys believe Bryant is bluffing about missing games. The Cowboys believe Bryant is bluffing about missing games. The Cowboys believe Bryant ‘ultimately needs the money.’ The Cowboys are encouraged by Bryant’s appearances at camp this offseason.”
On Monday, NFL insider Jason LaConfora contradicted Cole’s report with this tweet.
Sounds like a Dez Bryant deal isn't out of the question this week. Expect things to continue evolving and possibly conclude by midweek
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 6, 2015
Now, ESPN reporter Adam Schefter is speaking on the situation, and backing up Cole’s version of the talks.
“Despite reports that they think a deal could be coming down this week. Today, a deal doesn’t sound like it’s close. It doesn’t sound like anything’s close,” Schefter said.
“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.”
Part of the problem for Bryant is perception. He has had a number of off-field incidents in college and as a member of the Cowboys. Last season was incident-free, but early in the offseason he was plagued by rumors of the existence of a video which was compared to the damning footage of ex-Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice striking his then-fiancee Janay Palmer, knocking her unconscious.
The rumor was hot, but no tape ever surfaced and it has receded from the public discourse. That does not mean it isn’t affecting his negotiations.
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