Dez Bryant has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to seeking a new contract.
The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver told executive vice president Stephen Jones he won’t attend training camp and could even sit out regular-season games, if he doesn’t get a long-term contract.
The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Bryant back in March, and the two sides have until Wednesday to work out a long-term deal. If the deadline comes and goes, Bryant would be forced to play the 2015 season under the franchise number, which is $12.8 million for Bryant.
As ESPN.com points out, Bryant can’t be fined for missing camp without signing the franchise tag tender, but he can be fined if he misses games.
Bryant is widely considered one of the best wideouts in the NFL. The Oklahoma State product just finished his fifth season in the league, the best of his career. Bryant hauled in 88 passes for 1,320 yards and set a career-high with league-leading 16 touchdown receptions. Bryant will turn 27 in November.
UPDATE (3 p.m. ET): Jones reportedly disputed the news that Bryant called him, however Bryant just tweeted this, which certainly seems to indicate he’s willing to sit out.
[tweet https://twitter.com/DezBryant/status/620667975763243008 align=’center’]
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
