Hours after it was announced he'd signed with Jay Z's Roc Nation agency, Dez Bryant made it abundantly clear he'd like a longterm contract.
The fifth-year receiver, who is set to become a free agent in March, spoke about his new agency and his contract negotiations on Sunday following the Cowboys' loss to Arizona. In the brief media session, Bryant minced no words when asked how he'd feel if the Cowboys opted to place the franchise tag on him rather than sign him to a multi-year deal.
"I'm going to tell you the God-honest truth: I'd be highly disappointed," he said.
Sunday was the first time in a while Bryant has been willing to publicly discuss his contract, as he initially said he'd prefer to avoid talking about it during the season. That was before he switched agencies midseason, however, and opted to sign with Jay Z's group.
"It ain't about a contract, it's about me branding myself, being an icon for these kids. I love kids, they look up to me," Bryant said. "I come from dirt -- point-blank, period. Every day, I'm writing my story and it's getting better. I felt like it was the best choice for me, they can help me get to where I want to be, and it is what it is."
It might not specifically be about his contract, but Bryant answered several pertinent questions about his soon-to-expire rookie deal with the Cowboys. It's long been known that Bryant wants to be paid like one of the NFL's top receivers, and he said he'd be willing to have those discussions with the team during the season.
"I'll tell you this: if it's right, yeah. If it's right, yeah," he said when asked about re-opening negotiations.
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For the time being, Bryant said he hasn't been with the new agency long enough to have discussions about the gameplan going forward. He did add, however, that he felt he could identify with Jay Z's own success story as a rags-to-riches entertainer.
"He was one of those guys to come from nothing, and look at him now. All he wants to do is help," he said.
That won't preclude a potential long-lasting deal in Dallas, though. Bryant said he wants to work out a deal that will keep him a Cowboy well into the future.
"It makes sense, it makes sense. I love Cowboy Nation, they love me," he said. I'm going to continue to keep doing what I need to do to try and make it right and try to bring that Super Bowl here.
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