The Dallas Cowboys have figured out how to handle their biggest free-agent.
Dallas Cowboys’ Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, confirmed that the team plans on applying the franchise tag to All-Pro wideout, Dez Bryant.
ESPN’s broke the news.
The Cowboys have to notify the league of the move by 4 p.m. ET Monday, which will guarantee Bryant roughly $13 million in 2015. The Cowboys will not use the exclusive franchise tag on Bryant, but a team would have to give up two first-round picks if Dallas chooses not to match an offer sheet.
The Cowboys had a meeting with Bryant’s agents at the NFL scouting combine. Jerry Jones said he hoped the tag would be a “placeholder” until the two sides can work out a long-term deal with Bryant.
Jerry and Stephen Jones had their first face-to-face meetings with Bryant’s new agents, Tom Condon of CAA and Kim Miale of Roc Nation, last Tuesday.
Jerry Jones told the Fort-Worth Star Telegram that Dez Bryant should be happy with the tag
Rumors of Bryant’s off the field issues are said to be the reason the Cowboys have been hesitant to give him a big contract.
Last season, Bryant led the team with 88 receptions, 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns.