On his radio appearance this morning on 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that he’s prepared to use the franchise tag on Dez Bryant if the two sides can’t hammer out a long term deal (via Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram on Twitter).
So far this year, Bryant has hauled in 84 catches for 1,221 yards and 14 touchdowns, making an incredible case for his next contract. However, the two sides have yet to bridge the gap. If they can’t shake hands on a new long-term pact, Jones says that he’s prepared to use the tag, which can realistically be enacted two years in a row. Bryant and his representatives at Roc Nation probably aren’t happy about the franchise tag threat, but it could conceivably light a fire underneath them to get a deal done.
Bryant is currently ranked No. 4 in PFR’s 2015 Free Agent Power Rankings. Tom Condon of CAA might assist Bryant’s camp in contract talks this offseason.