Dez Bryant - Pro Football Rumors

Cowboys Notes: Dez, McClain, Murray, Carr

February 28th, 2015 at 9:04am CST by Ben Levine

Following news that the Cowboys will likely place the franchise tag on Dez Bryant, Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com surveyed some who were in favor of the move from the player’s perspective. This included Jordan Woy, the agent for Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer. The veteran received the tag in both 2012 and 2013.

“If you sign it right away, it’s automatically guaranteed,” Woy said. “You can still negotiate to get a long-term deal. But I don’t see the benefit in not signing it because if I don’t sign it, it’s not guaranteed, No. 1. The team could take it away and if you wait too long other things can happen (like teams not having cap space). Or people could change their mind. I think it’s better signing it and having the guaranteed money sitting there.”

Owner Jerry Jones echoed that sentiment:

“I’ve never seen anybody just pout to the extent that they wouldn’t do it over this kind of money. That usually is not realistic. It’s just too much money. And consequently it’s not set up or packaged the way that parties might want — and I want to emphasize again – it’s not really set up in our best interest at all. There’s a much better way for our future and our cap this year if we didn’t franchise, but this is here when you don’t have your meeting of the minds about how you want to structure something long term. And so if anything it’s in the right situation, it’s a placeholder for addressing it as you move through the future.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes out of Dallas…

NFL Network’s Dan Hellie, Heath Evans and Willie McGinest discussed the pros and cons of the Cowboys signing Bryant to a longterm contract (via The Dallas Morning News). The pundits ultimately believe it’d be in the team’s best interest to include some character clauses in the receiver’s contract.
In his weekly chat, Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News talks about Rolando McClain and his continuous off-the-field issues. The writer believes all the press doesn’t help the free agent, but he also argues that the linebacker’s production would make it difficult for the team to just cut ties.
Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has some suggestions for the Cowboys as they head into free agency. The writer believes the team ran running back DeMarco Murray “into the ground” last season, and he’s doubtful that the 27-year-old could ever repeat that production.
Fitzgerald also opines that cornerback Brandon Carr‘s tenure in Dallas could be over unless the player accepts a pay cut. If the team releases the 28-year-old before June, they’ll save an estimated $8MM.

East Notes: McCown, Dez, Parnell, Bush

February 26th, 2015 at 12:38pm CST by Luke Adams

Josh McCown‘s free agent tour appears to have come to an end, and after drawing interest from the Bills, Jets, Bears, and Browns, the veteran quarterback has engaged in contract discussions with Buffalo, according to Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. Carucci cautions that it’s not known how many other teams are talking to McCown about a potential contract, or if the Bills are the favorites to land him, but the club is very much in the hunt, and the signal-caller may finalize his new deal – with Buffalo or another club – by Friday.

For what it’s worth, Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 notes (via Twitter) that the Bills view McCown as an upgrade over Kyle Orton, and that the former Buccaneer is the club’s preferred target in this free agent class. While we wait to find out whether a deal with the Bills materializes as a result of Buffalo’s interest in McCown, let’s check in on a few more items from around the NFL’s two East divisions….

As Monday’s franchise tag deadline nears, the rumors surrounding Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant continued to swirl today. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com passed along word – and a police report – about an incident that took place outside of a Walmart in Lancaster, Texas; Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk attempted to break down what this new info means; and Jason Cole of Bleacher Report suggested that sources close to Bryant believe the alleged video of that Walmart incident does, in fact, exist.
Cowboys tackle Jermey Parnell should be a popular free agent next month, according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com and Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports (Twitter links). When I examined the free agent market for offensive tackles earlier in February, I singled out Parnell as a player who hasn’t seen much action as a reserve in Dallas, but pointed out that he has been very good when he has played.
In response to the Lions’ release of Reggie Bush, Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com explores whether the Patriots would be interested, and how Bush’s availability may affect the market for free-agent-to-be Shane Vereen.
Nick Powell of NJ.com takes a look at whether or not the Giants will have interest in Bush, concluding that the former USC star could fit as a complement in the backfield for Rashad Jennings, particularly since Tom Coughlin is fond of veteran players.

NFC East Notes: Locker, Bryant, Eagles

February 24th, 2015 at 8:58am CST by Zachary Links

Reuben Frank and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com looked at Jake Locker as a free agent possibility for the Eagles. Mosher sees him as someone who could be a viable backup to Nick Foles or Marcus Mariota (if Philly can land him somehow) but would prefer keeping Mark Sanchez instead. Frank, meanwhile, isn’t impressed by Locker and writes that he has yet to do anything notable as a passer. More from the NFC East..

Cowboys Executive Vice President/COO told Ed Werder of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that the team is “at peace and content” with the decision to franchise tag Dez Bryant, if necessary. If tagged, Bryant will earn a salary of ~$13MM rather than starting the lucrative, long-term pact he was hoping for.
Jon Machota of The Dallas Morning News took an educated guess at what the Cowboys will do with their pick at No. 27. Machota says Dallas should take the best edge rusher available, but Randy Gregory, Shane Ray, Dante Fowler, Vic Beasley, and Bud Dupree will likely all be gone by the time they pick. The next best thing, he writes, could be UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa.
Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News writes that converted wide receiver Nate Orchard could be the Cowboys‘ answer at defensive end. At 6’3″, 250 (his measurements at the combine), Orchard is a tweener and maybe better suited as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme than an end in a 4-3. However, the Tampa 2 scheme that Cowboys defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli favors relies heavier on speed than size.
Rich Tandler of CSNWashington.com looked at some players that Washington could target in the second round of this year’s draft. In no particular order, Tander highlights Missouri wide receiver Dorian Green-Beckham, Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, and Ole Miss safety Cody Prewitt.
The Eagles have selected 15 players in two drafts under Chip Kelly and there really hasn’t been a single player who came to Philadelphia with true character questions, Sheil Kapadia of Philadelphia Magazine writes. It’s possible that Kelly can roll the dice of guys with character questions now that he has established the culture he wants, but Kapadia doesn’t see him going that route.
Washington won’t find a ton of quality safety options in the draft, John Keim of ESPN.com writes.

NFC Links: Cardinals, Fairley, Cowboys, Vikings

February 22nd, 2015 at 10:44pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Oscar’s were the big story this Sunday, but in case you missed any of the NFL tidbits that spread while you were rooting for your favorite movie of the year, here are some links surrounding NFC teams:

Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com takes a look at the Cardinals salary cap situation going into the offseason. He writes that the team should be all in on 2015, and could afford to take some risks to put them over the top.
Cardinals running back Andre Ellington averaged only 3.3 yards per carry this past season under an increased workload, down from a fantastic 5.5 yards per carry as a rookie in 2013. The organization still believes he can be the focal point of the offense, but that he needs to get bigger and stronger in order to carry that load, writes Chris Wesseling of NFL.com
The Lions had a very positive interview with defensive tackle Nick Fairley at the combine today, and expressed interest in keeping him in Detroit, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (via Twitter).
In Cowboys’ news, Kevin Sherrington of DallasNews.com suggests that the team is not dependent on a Dez Bryant deal in order to move on with other roster moves this offseason, and his colleague Rainer Sabin writes that he does not expect the franchise tag to alter Bryant’s on-field performance if the Cowboys decide to use it on him this offseason.
The Vikings’ front office has been looking closely at running backs in the combine, with plans to either supplement or replace Adrian Peterson depending on what happens this offseason, writes Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune.
Washington executive A.J. Smith will not be returning to the team, according to Zac Boyer of the Washington Times who cites a Providence Journal report (via Twitter). Boyer notes that this isn’t a surprise, as team president Bruce Allen hinted at it when Scott McCloughan was hired as the team’s general manager.

Cowboys Notes: Dez, Murray, Romo, Jerry

February 21st, 2015 at 5:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

There’s been plenty of Cowboys-related news already this afternoon, as we learned that Dallas management is waiting to hear from free agent receiver Dez Bryant‘s agent, and that fellow free agent Rolando McClain is facing a four-game fine after a third failed drug test. Let’s take a look at some more notes from Big D…

Bryant has made it clear that he won’t be pleased if the Cowboys use the franchise tag on him, and owner Jerry Jones also indicated that the franchise tag isn’t the optimal outcome. “I can tell you I’m not that excited about the franchise tag with Dez simply because I’d like to have our agreement and our business in place for a long time to come with Dez,” Jones told Todd Archer of ESPN.com. Dallas has until March 2 to use the franchise tag on Bryant, and then would have until July 15 to negotiate a long-term extension.
Running back DeMarco Murray is also a pending free agent, and the Cowboys have an idea of what they’d be willing to pay the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year. But given how critical Murray was to the offense last season, Jones tells Archer that he will have some “serious flexibility” regarding Murray’s salary range.
If Murray is re-signed, he’ll probably have a lighter workload in 2015, as Archer writes. Murray led the league with 392 carries last year, and Jones doesn’t believe it’s feasible for Murray’s snap count to be as high in 2015. Backup running back Joseph Randle has already faced legal trouble this offseason, however, while fellow RB Lance Dunbar is a free agent.
The Cowboys will make decisions on their future with the idea that Tony Romo will be their quarterback for the next five years, Jones tells Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. Romo will turn 35 years old in April, so the five-year window might seem optimistic, but the veteran QB is signed through 2019.

Cowboys Waiting On Dez Bryant’s Agents

February 21st, 2015 at 3:45pm CST by Rob DiRe

The Cowboys have not had any recent contact with superstar receiver Dez Bryant‘s agents, according to Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram (via Twitter). However, Hill writes that the team has already made a serious offer to keep the embattled touchdown machine.

The team is now waiting on Bryant’s agents to contact them regarding the offer in order to continue negotiations.

Hill writes that the team has given a number of offers already as this process has moved on, before Bryant changed agents in November. The team believed they were close to getting a deal done at that time (via Twitter).

Bryant and Roc Nation will take time to consider the offer before contacting the Cowboys and move forward towards getting a long-term deal finished. The Cowboys still hold some leverage in that they can use the franchise tag on Bryant to guarantee his presence on the team in 2015. Of course if they can get a deal done soon, they will have the option of using the franchise tag on DeMarco Murray.

East Notes: Cowboys, Callahan, Tannehill

February 19th, 2015 at 7:59am CST by Luke Adams

Speaking to the media in Indianapolis on Wednesday, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett referred to Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray as “cornerstone players,” and said he loves them and wants both players back in Dallas. Addressing Murray specifically, Garrett added that “both sides are talking.” However, he also cautioned that “the business of the NFL is real” (three Twitter links via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, and ESPN’s Josina Anderson).

Here’s more from out of the NFL’s two East divisions:

New Washington offensive line coach Bill Callahan tells Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com (Twitter link) that there were offensive coordinator opportunities available for him last month, but he opted for the job in D.C. instead. I would guess that either Callahan didn’t think he’d be a frontrunner for those offensive coordinator positions, or Washington just made it very much worth his while not to explore those opportunities.
Restructuring Tony Romo’s contract will backfire at some point, but it’s a worthwhile gamble for Cowboys, Bob Sturm of The Dallas Morning News opines. There’s “no doubt” in Sturm’s mind that they will push a lot of the quarterback’s 2015 money into 2016.
Quarterback salaries are what they are, Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey acknowledged on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, including Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, adding that his team feels comfortable investing in Ryan Tannehill as its QB of the future.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Cowboys Notes: Murray, Bryant, Jones

February 17th, 2015 at 7:48pm CST by Zachary Links

There’s a sentiment going around that DeMarco Murray‘s production can be replaced and Kevin Sherrington of The Dallas Morning News says that’s bogus. Of course, Murray isn’t the top priority this offseason, but Sherrington feels he should be retained if at all possible. Beyond the numbers, he argues, the Cowboys offense feeds off of the powerful running style of Murray. While you ponder that, here’s some news on Dallas’ No. 1 offseason priority..

If Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant gets franchise tagged, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com cautions not be surprised when he chooses not to show his face for the rest of the spring until he is contractually required to do so.
Bryant took to Twitter earlier today to voice his displeasure with the Cowboys, as the staff of The Dallas Morning News notes. When a follower said that he loves how dedicated the wide receiver is to the team, he responded: “I wish They felt the same way but it’s cool.. It’s #business“
In response to Bryant expressing that he feels the Cowboys aren’t dedicated to him, club exec Stephen Jones said “[Dez] is definitely not feeling the right vibe,” according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (via Twitter). In Jones’ comments earlier today, he seemed to hint that the team will lean towards hitting the star receiver with the franchise tag.

Latest On Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murray

February 17th, 2015 at 1:25pm CST by Luke Adams

This week’s combine in Indianapolis provides teams an opportunity to meet with the representatives for their prospective free agents to try to see if they can find common ground before free agency officially begins in March. And according to Rainer Sabin of the Dallas Morning News, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones plans to do just that with DeMarco Murray‘s agent, Bill Johnson, at some point this week. Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the team is also expected to meet with Dez Bryant‘s reps, after not talking for months, though Jones didn’t sound convinced that a sit-down will happen this week.

As Sabin observes, the fact that Jones is uncertain about meeting with Tom Condon and Bryant’s reps suggests that the team is leaning toward simply using its franchise tag on the star wideout. That’s a notion that Jones certainly didn’t dispute.

“Right now all things being equal, it’s leaning more Dez with the franchise than it is not,” Jones said. “But that doesn’t mean it will stay that way. … We don’t ever want to give up on a long-term deal. It’s something we worked on all of last year and it kind of cooled off once we got into the season. We’ll continue to see what our options are and things happen quickly as you go along. Things can go along with a lot not going on, but all of a sudden it happens.”

For his part, Bryant, who has indicated in the past that he doesn’t love the idea of being tagged, has “all but resigned” himself to that outcome, sources tell Hill. Nonetheless, even though it looks like a safe bet that the Cowboys will eventually use their tag on their receiver rather than their running back, Jones hasn’t dismissed the possibility of franchising Murray.

“I would never rule anything out,” Jones said. “Who knows what tomorrow brings? Things have a sudden way of getting kicked in and you start to get some traction on something. You go down that road and get that done. It’s dominoes.”

The Cowboys will have until March 2 to use their franchise tag, and will have until March 10 to get deals done with Bryant and/or Murray that would keep them off the open market.

Cowboys Notes: Romo, Draft, Free Agency

February 15th, 2015 at 8:53am CST by Ben Levine

It’s going to be a busy couple of months in Dallas, as the organization looks to retain two of the top offensive free agents: receiver Dez Bryant and running back DeMarco Murray. Our own Zach Links explored the team’s offseason outlook last week, with Zach suggesting a variety of alternatives should the duo get away.

When you’re finished checking that out, take a look at some assorted notes out of Dallas…

Considering the high level of play the Cowboys got from Tony Romo in 2014, David Moore of The Dallas News can’t envision the organization pursuing his successor in this year’s draft.
Furthermore, Moore says it’s tough to envision a scenario where the Cowboys don’t use their first-rounder on a defensive player. The writer cautions that the team could be intrigued if a “bluechip” lineman or wideout falls to No. 27.
Jon Machota of The Dallas News doesn’t think the team should pursue a top pass-rusher in free agency. The writer would prefer the Cowboys prioritize re-signing their own players, having a good draft, and finding some value in the free agent market.
In a separate article, Machota shoots down the idea of trading up in the first round of the draft. The writer would not only prefer keeping the extra picks, but he’s also under the impression that whoever the Cowboys select at No. 27 wouldn’t be significantly worse that someone they select in the early-20s.