Dez Bryant tweets hope for financial security

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant needs to walk away from the keyboard. On Wednesday morning, the two-time Pro Bowler and 2014 First-Team All-Pro tweeted about his current contract situation. For those unaware, Bryant was given the franchise tag, meaning if he signs the tender, he will play on a one-year deal for $13 million guaranteed. Yet…

Bryant played under a rookie deal that paid out $11.8 million over five years. During that time, Bryant caught 381 passes for 5,424 yards and 56 touchdowns. He is absolutely on a Hall of Fame track. Since coming into the league, only Calvin Johnson can claim to be a better receiver, along with a gripe by Demaryius Thomas.

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Bryant has outperformed his contract, but leave the stuff about security at home. If Bryant  collects on his guaranteed $13 million (which he does the second he signs his franchise tag), he is set for life unless he throws money into a wood chipper. Bryant could walk away from the game after this season and live a beautiful life, collecting off the interest his money will make in the bank until the end of time.

Without question, Bryant should be getting a lucrative deal of around six years and $100 million. The same can be said for fellow receivers Julio Jones and Thomas, both of whom are also sitting on their franchise tag tenders. Still, the idea that Bryant needs to get a big deal for security is garbage. With the money he has already made both through football and endorsements, he should never need to work another day in his life. Most wealth managers will tell you to save a million dollars to retirement. If Bryant hasn’t done that already – in a tax-free state no less – he needs to consult with financial advisers immediately.

In life, you should always strive to be paid your worth. Bryant is doing that, which is not only understandable but correct. However, don’t hide behind the notion you need to be secure. Come on out with it. Just be honest and say you want the respect that comes with that money. In the end, that is what this is about. Money represents respect in both sports and American culture. Bryant wants to be lauded by his peers. There is no issue with that.

The Cowboys have until July 15 to sign Bryant to a long-term deal. After that date, the two sides are not allowed to negotiate a new deal until after the season, leaving Bryant to play on the tag. The All-Pro has the option of sitting out the first 10 weeks, but must play the final six to accrue another year toward free agency. Dallas could take him again at 120 percent of his current pay, but that rarely happens.