The Dallas Cowboys say they are going all-in on Dez Bryant.
Despite some recenttransgressions, and a report from NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport which suggested that the team's executives were wary of handing a mercurial player a long-term deal, owner Jerry Jones was not shy about stating his intentions.
"What we want to do is have an agreement for the rest of Dez's career," Jones told reporters on Tuesday, via The Dallas Morning News. "To me, that says a lot about the concern about off-the-field (issues) if we want him on the Dallas Cowboys for the rest of his career."
Jones' son, Stephen, the team's chief operating officer, said the Cowboys have already offered Bryant a series of enticing deals -- though Rapoport reported recently on NFL GameDay Morning that the last numbers Dallas discussed didn't have heavy guarantees.
"We've offered him some really nice contracts," Stephen Jones said. "We also have to respect his views on where it is. My take on those things is that they ultimately find a way.
"I have a lot of confidence we will. I think Dez wants to be here and I know we want him here."
Basically, this sounds like Dallas' way of momentarily calming the waters. The Cowboys' public statements have not necessarily matched their offers. Rapoport reported that Bryant was offered a deal with $20 million guaranteed that would pay Bryant $10 million-per-season over the first six years of his deal. That's similar to Brandon Marshall's contract, but certainly less than the top receivers in the game are making.
After a rocky trip to London, one where Bryant put up a record 158 yards in a single quarter, Jerry Jones likely wants everyone to stay on the same page. Having Bryant worry about a new deal, or allowing reports to linger about the older Jones' secret fears in regards to a long-term deal, won't help anyone win the division.
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