Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant and more drama to offseason

The Dallas Cowboys seem to always have some type of situation or drama going in their direction, but just how serious is the offseason “war of words” between the organization and Dez Bryant becoming?

This game of “cat-and-mouse” or “chicken” between the two parties took another turn Friday afternoon when Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reported that Bryant may skip the regular season opener of the Cowboys if he isn’t signed to a long-term contract.

Mortensen reported the following via an ESPN.com article:

"“Bryant has not signed his franchise tag, which would guarantee him $12,823,000 for the 2015 season. The deadline for franchise-tagged players to negotiate and sign a long-term contract is July 15 or else Bryant’s only option is to play under the $12.823 million or not play at all.”"

The Cowboys open the 2015 NFL season on Sunday Night Football when they host NFC East rival, the New York Giants, on Sept. 13 at AT&T Stadium.

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It is no secret the Cowboys need Bryant on the field … plain and simple, but Bryant should also realize the Cowboys were around before him and will be around after his time with the franchise is up, whether that be when he retires or if the two parties ever go their separate ways.

Though being bitter about $12 million seems a bit much, Bryant does have a point as well, because he’s trying to secure his future for the long-term. Though $12 million is more money than most folks can ever even fathom, the NFL is a money-making machine, and the wide receiver is just trying to get the most he possibly can from the Cowboys and the machine known as the NFL.

There is no problem with that. Where the problem lies is how this will affect a team that was one catch or two away from playing in the NFC Championship game last season.

Let’s say Bryant does skip the season opener. That would mean the reigning NFC East champions would be starting the season without two of their top performers from the 12-win regular season in Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray, who left the Cowboys this offseason to sign as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Murray led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards (393 carries, 13 touchdowns) in his Offensive Player of the Year season.

Bryant had 88 receptions for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns. The No. 1 wide receiver for the Cowboys averaged 15 yards per reception in ’14, with his longest reception being 68 yards.

Again, let’s say the Cowboys would start the ’15 season without Bryant and Murray … that’s a loss of 3,165 yards and 29 touchdowns before the first snap is even taken by Tony Romo and the Cowboys in their defense of the NFC East crown.

So, what is next for Bryant and the Cowboys?

My belief, like I’ve said earlier this offseason, is they need to work out some type of contract before the July 15 deadline.

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles free safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles, 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

A four-year contract makes sense for both sides because Bryant will be 30 years old at the completion of a four-year deal, and the Cowboys would still be getting some prime years from Bryant, but not be on the hook for years past 30, unless they would want to add to the deal down the road.

Long-term security is important to both sides, that’s reasonably understandable, but if both are seeking the ultimate prize of becoming Super Bowl champions, then some sort of deal can be worked out.

The Cowboys have a realistic possibility to be in strong contention for a Super Bowl chance again like they were last season, and both Bryant and the organization need to be on the same page before the season begins.

If not, the Cowboys may be in for a memorable season, one for being remembered as a disappointment, and not one of success. The distractions need to stop in Big D, and it starts with the front office and Bryant working out a solution to this contract situation.

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