Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News)
IRVING – While Dez Bryant says he wants to remain a Dallas Cowboy for the rest of his NFL career, the Pro Bowl wide receiver made it clear on Wednesday that it will not come at a discount.
During a 15-minute question-and-answer session at his locker, Bryant seemed disappointed when discussing the business side of the game.
“Not saying that they’re not for me or anybody is for me, but I’m used to a family atmosphere,” Bryant said. “But we got money involved, so they got to make sure that they’re making the right investment. And I got to make sure that I’m worthy of everything.”
Bryant is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Cowboys have offered him a long-term deal that they believe is fair.
But Bryant doesn’t see it that way.
“It’s all about respect,” he said. “I am a very loyal person, but just don’t test my loyalty.”
The Cowboys argue that the league’s salary cap limits what they can offer the Pro Bowl wide receiver. After all, they still need to sign other important pieces down the road.
“At the end of the day, I want to win,” Bryant said. “But at the same time, I have a family and that’s what is important. I feel like, hey, I put the work in, I got to get myself some kind of credit.”
Bryant also addressed any off-the-field behavior that could be causing the Cowboys concern.
“All I can say is this, if it was that big of a deal, I don’t think I would be here,” Bryant said. “To tell you the truth, I understand that I can play some football, but those are crazy things. I don’t think I would be here. That’s my honest opinion.”
If the two sides are unable to reach a long-term extension, the Cowboys could keep Bryant on the roster next season by placing him under the franchise tag, a result that would leave the star receiver “highly disappointed.”
“They have to do what they have to do, I have to do what I have to do,” Bryant said. “And I’m pretty sure at the end of the day, we’ll come to a nice agreement.”
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