All the optimism and good meetings between Jerry Jones and Dez Bryant couldn't get a contract extension done for the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday morning that the sides did not reach an extension by Bryant's self-imposed deadline, according to sources involved in the situation. Now one isn't expected this year.
Bryant has insisted all offseason the contract talks weren't a distraction, but the wideout didn't want negotiations hanging over his head once games started.
Sides were making progress and a deal appeared on the brink late last month, but ultimately they couldn't lock down a deal.
The 25-year-old pass-catcher will enter the final year of his rookie contract paying him $1.78 million. Bryant believes he is a top-five receiver (he is) and should get paid like one (he should).
With Bryant closing the door on negotiations now that the Cowboys are set to kick off the season today against the San Francisco 49ers, he's a logical candidate to get slapped with the franchise tag before becoming the big fish on the open market.
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