Cowboys coach Jason Garrett confirmed to reporters, including Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (on Twitter) that wide receiver Dez Bryant is on hand today. The star wide receiver will not practice with his team, however.
Bryant recently attempted to regain some leverage by suggesting he was prepared to sit out regular season games if an extension isn’t in place. However, when speaking to reporters yesterday, owner Jerry Jones didn’t seem to put much stock in that. Jones said that he has “no doubt” Bryant will be on the field for Dallas’ Week 1 game against the Giants. Last year, Bryant became the first player in Dallas history to have three straight seasons with at least 85 receptions, 1,200 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown receptions, but he has limited leverage until he’s eligible to hit the open market.
Because he has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender, Bryant can’t be fined for missing this week’s minicamp, or August’s training camp. However, if Bryant were to start missing regular season games, he’d lose nearly $753K per week. After Bryant appeared in Texas today, however, it’s even harder to envisioning him following through on that threat.
The Cowboys and Bryant have until July 15 to reach a multiyear deal. Do you take today’s development as a sign that the two sides are nearing an agreement?