Fansided

NFL Free Agency: The top unrestricted free agents

By Carlos Nazario

Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) prior to facing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) prior to facing the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Dez Bryant, WR
Age: 25
2014 Salary: $1.78 million

Bryant has been instrumental in helping the Dallas Cowboys return to prominence. He is one of, if not, the best wide receivers in the game today, and he will be paid handsomely for it.

This season, Bryant had 16 touchdowns to lead the league. He also had 88 catches for 1,320 yards. It was his third consecutive season with 80 or more catches.

Bryant continues to get better over the years.

  • In his first two seasons, he played in 27 games, caught 108 passes for 1,489 yards.
  • In his last three seasons, he has not missed a game (48). He caught an impressive 273 passes for 3,935 yards.

It is good to see that Bryant has not missed any time in the last three seasons, Coming out of Oklahoma State, there was a big concern about him staying out of trouble. While he has acted like a diva at times, he has kept out of trouble.

The problem with the Cowboys is that they do not have a lot of cap space available. The team also has to deal with the NFL’s leading rusher, DeMarco Murray.

The Cowboys may not be able to pay both Bryant and Murray. They can franchise one, but it will alienate either one. Would Jerry Jones release other players to make room for one or both salaries?

Next: Justin Houston

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