Jones, in a text message Monday, denied that Bryant communicated to him his willingness to miss training camp and regular-season games.
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Denver Broncos fans hopeful of franchise-tagged wide receiver Demaryius Thomas signing a brand spanking new long-term contract with the team prior to the July 15 deadline are about to be pretty disappointed. But if no deal is reached and Bryant refuses to sign the tender, he will not be allowed to play this season. It was then said that an announcement about the new deal would be made after the holiday weekend. Bryant missed all of the offseason workouts after getting hit with the $12.823 million one-year tag. The issue appears to be that neither Bryant nor Thomas has been offered anything close to the contract Calvin Johnson signed in 2012, which included $48 million guaranteed. It would be more surprising if he was at training camp on time without a long-term deal. The problem, as outlined by the Dallas Morning News, is in that the market for top-flight wide receivers has yet to set itself: Bryant, Denver’s Demaryius Thomas, Cincinnati’s A.J. The players’ association says it believes the Broncos and Cowboys had contact about each player’s contract. It might get much more interesting around Valley Ranch if it doesn’t get done, if Bryant follows through on his threat.
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Bryant played in 18 games last season with the Cowboy, s including two playoff games and had a total of 94 receptions for 1,406 yards and 16 touchdowns. But Bryant also made the argument that he has proved himself to be the top receiver in the league over the past five years and should be compensated accordingly. The team has had a history of giving players with checkered pasts an opportunity.
