Dez Bryant told reporters on Monday that there was a "big chance" he would be receiving a new contract before the team's season opener. Then he said he didn't want to talk about it anymore because he "can't be distracted."
Bryant made the mistake of giving reporters a reason to ask him more questions only to shoot them down when they asked him more questions. Many are aware that the Cowboys wide receiver will be getting paid whether it's before the 2014 season begins or next offseason. Bryant is in the final year of his rookie deal that will pay him $1.78 million - a bargain for the 25-year-old, who is tied for the lead in touchdown catches with 25 over the past two seasons.
We saw this offseason that owner Jerry Jones isn't afraid to pay his young stars after he signed left tackle Tyron Smith to an eight-year extension worth $97.6 million with $40 million guaranteed. Bryant obviously won't get a deal like that because left tackles are considered franchise cornerstones, but he should receive a generous amount, as the two sides have been pleased with one another.
"I honestly feel like what I do, sooner or later, I'm going to get what I deserve," Bryant told Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I believe it. That's why I don't stress about it. There's no need to stress about it. It's coming. I know it's coming, so no need to worry about it."
Once he was asked more about it, he added:
"I don't want to talk about it any more [once the season starts]. Put it behind me. I love this game. Either way, I feel like I can't be distracted once I'm on the football field."
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy has been one of the top receivers in the NFL over the past two seasons and he's only 25. In 2012 he caught 92 passes for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns and followed that up in 2013 with 93 receptions for 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has reiterated that he wants to be one of the league's highest-paid receivers, and he might get his wish due to his performance throughout his rookie deal and Jerry Jones' deep pockets.
Dallas slashed a number of salaries in the offseason (DeMarcus Ware, Kyle Orton, Miles Austin), which freed up a bunch of money to make contract signings for the future. We'll see how the situation plays out for Bryant.
