Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant will make more money next season than every NFL player except Denver quarterback Peyton Manning.
Bryant is in line for a contract averaging $12 million per year despite having one of the worst statistical seasons by a No. 1 receiver in franchise history. The three-year deal he signed as a rookie in 2010 averaged $1.8 million per season and was not due to expire until after the 2014 season.
Who is Dez Bryant and what is his football history?
Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant lost his composure when Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings intercepted a pass in the final minute of their divisional playoff game, but the former Oklahoma State star is one of the most talented young receivers in football.
Although he finished with only 72 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 games this season, Bryant was targeted 137 times and had 18 games with at least four catches. He went over 90 yards three times in December despite being limited by a groin injury.
Bryant is still more of an athlete than polished wide receiver, but he has the talent to become one of the most productive players in Cowboys history.
How did Bryant’s 2017 season play out and why was he unsigned until now?
Bryant finished his contract year with just 69 catches for 838 yards and six touchdowns. His 482 snaps played this season were the second-fewest of his career behind his rookie season, when he missed five games because of injury, according to Pro Football Focus. Bryant failed to top 100 yards receiving in any game this season and had more than 65 yards in a game just once.
The Cowboys and Bryant’s agent, Tom Condon, had been engaged in negotiations over a contract extension since the season ended, but they were unable to reach an agreement. Owner Jerry Jones had said he would not “push the panic button” on Bryant during free agency or draft weekend. Why?
Bryant will turn 27 in November and he has been one of the NFL’s most productive receivers since 2011, when Tony Romo became his quarterback.
He topped 1,200 yards receiving in 2012 and 2013 and he started all 16 games this season despite playing with three different quarterbacks because Cowboys starter Tony Romo missed 12 games with a twice-broken left collarbone.
Has dez bryant signed a contract?
No. Bryant is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent when the NFL’s free agency period begins Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern Time (noon Pacific).
Condon has said the deal is expected to be finalized Friday.
How much will Dez Bryant command on the open market?
Bryant is likely to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers, but he had a subpar year for his standards. He has concerns about Romo’s health, which could affect the length of contract he seeks. Will Dez Bryant sign an extension with Dallas?
If the Cowboys don’t re-sign Bryant, they risk losing their three best players on offense — Romo, Bryant and Jason Witten.
Witten had 110 catches for 1,039 yards in 2016. Dez Bryant will likely sign an extension with Dallas Cowboys before the 2017 season begins, according to multiple NFL insiders.
How much money is Dez Bryant expected to make?
Bryant is likely to receive a contract that averages $12 million per season after failing to agree to terms on a long-term contract with Dallas before this week’s NFL free agency period begins.
Dez Bryant is set to sign a contract with the Dallas Cowboys for $12 million per year. Dallas wants Dez Bryant to return but they will only be able to pay him so much until they re-sign Jason Witten, Tony Romo, and DeMarcus Lawrence. Some believe that these are all stars that need to be retained in order for the team to be successful.
