National Football League

Cowboys continue to eye long-term deal for Dez Bryant

Published May. 28, 2014 12:29 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

IRVING, Texas -- It is a matter of Dallas Cowboys front-office policy to extend the contracts of standout players in the season before they expire. That's long been the plan for both receiver Dez Bryant and tackle Tyron Smith, and with the team engaging in preliminary talks with both, the plan remains in place.

Bryant has 25 touchdown receptions since the start of the 2012 season and was a first-time Pro Bowler last year. Smith also qualified for his first Pro Bowl.

In Smith's case, the Cowboys have exercised an option that will pay him $10 million this year while the sides negotiation a long-term deal. In Bryant's case, he's presently making $1.78 million as part of his rookie contract but like Smith figures to be in line for a deal that pays him at least $10 million annually. Chicago recently signed Brandon Marshall to a three-year, $30-million contract that could help set the framework for Bryant's new deal.

The Cowboys could use the franchise tag in the future to retain Bryant. But the team has already put salary-cap moves in place to avoid that and to instead do a long-term deal -- and Bryant tells ESPN he's willing to consider a "hometown discount.''

"I'm loyal to the squad," Bryant said. "I've always been. Me and my agent are going to talk about (a discount). We'll talk about it. You know, this is big. This is life-changing. Like I said, I've done everything asked of me, and we'll see what happens."

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League