Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant led the NFL in touchdown receptions last season with 16, but instead of receiving a lucrative long-term contract, he was instead given the franchise tag. Few would cry about the monetary reward of that tag; Bryant stands to make $12.823 million if he plays in 2015, but he is interested in long-term security.
In order to make his point, Bryant is not only considering a holdout through training camp, but into the regular season.
"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."
Cowboys executives say they want to work out a long-term contract with Bryant before the July 15 deadline for new deals. That could be influenced by Bryant's potential to "pull an Emmitt Smith" and hold out into the regular season. Smith held out of Dallas' first two games in 1993-both losses-and was eventually given a contract. These days though, Bryant won't be able to make the team cave since new contracts can't be doled out past the July 15 deadline.
Bryant will not be subject to financial penalties for skipping mandatory workouts or training camp because technically he is not a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Bryant has yet to sign his franchise tag tender.
A holdout into the season would not only drastically affect the Cowboys' 2015 fate, but the fantasy football drafts and fortunes of owners across the globe. Should Bryant hold out, here are the three biggest in-house beneficiaries.
Jason Witten
Witten's performance has declined precipitously in the past two seasons. He's no longer an elite tight end, and at 33 years old, is settling into a Heath Miller-esque role as an option owners can count on for five to seven points a week with upside for more in any given game.
A number of factors have contributed to his decline. He was never a burner, but Witten looks slower than ever these days. He has also seen far fewer targets with Bryant's emergence as a deadly red zone weapon. Finally, Dallas has arguably the NFL's best offensive line, so the running game has become a focal point, and Witten has been used more as a blocker.
Without Bryant, Witten would resume his role as the chief red zone target for Tony Romo, and see a spike in value.
A.J. Jenkins
A former first round pick out of Illinois, A.J. Jenkins has been a major bust. That said, if Bryant were to miss time few receivers in Dallas' camp have the raw talent to provide a reasonable impersonation of what Bryant brings to the table. Jenkins' accomplishments can't hold a candle to Bryant's but the pure talent is there to make an impact. It's up to Jenkins to maximize it.
Terrance Williams
Williams took a step back in 2014 from an impressive rookie campaign. He started 16 games last year-double his rookie season-yet came away with fewer receptions and yards. Williams still scored eight touchdowns in 2015, so the upside is still there. If Bryant misses time, Williams would slide into the No. 1 role and see the lion's share of targets. With a line like the Cowboys have, Romo should have time to find him.
[ESPN]
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