Dez Bryant Doesn’t Want Loyalty To Cowboys Tested In Contract Talks

Nov 9, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates after scoring on a 35-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates after scoring on a 35-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dez Bryant wants to be a Dallas Cowboy for life, yet the frustration of getting a long-term contract done has the Pro Bowl wideout letting the franchise know his loyalty shouldn’t be tested.

As a wide receiver, wearing jersey number 88 is holy grail in Dallas Cowboys lore. From Drew Pearson to Hall of Famer Michael Irvin to current Pro Bowler Dez Bryant, the number is an anointing of greatness. Like Pearson and Irvin, Bryant wants to wear the silver star on his helmet for life, yet as contract negotiations remain bogged down, assuming Bryant will stay in Dallas would be foolish.

“You know, it’s not about the money. It’s not about none of that. I just feel like a little respect should play a factor in that,” said Bryant.

“I love it [here]. I really do. But every day you grow. Let’s see what happens. It’s all about respect. It’s all about respect. I am a very loyal person, but just don’t test my loyalty.”

Translation: I love Dallas, but I’d also be willing to come back to AT&T Stadium (in, oh, let’s say a 49ers uniform) and stick to you if we can’t come together on a deal.

Dez Bryant’s rookie deal expires after this season. Make no mistake: there will be a team or two that will ponder sacrificing two first round picks if the Cowboys slap a franchise tag on Bryant, who wants to be paid as one of the top three receivers in the league. Doing so would cost the Cowboys in the neighborhood of $13 million per year along with a $30 million signing bonus.

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