While Dallas Cowboys team owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he wants Dez Bryant to return to the team next season, his son Stephen is unclear on the wide receiver’s future with the squad. Per David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, Stephen Jones, the Cowboys’ executive vice president and CEO, praised Bryant’s competitive spirit, but said that his demeanor and emotional outbursts can have a negative effect on his teammates. When asked about Bryant’s future, Stephen said that the Cowboys are going to do what’s “in the best interests of our business.”
Last season, Bryant caught 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns and led the NFL in drops, numbers that are not good enough to justify his $12.5 million salary for next season.
The Cowboys would save $8.5 million against the salary cap if they release Bryant. However, the decision is for Jerry Jones to make. The Cowboys are reportedly willing to keep Bryant if he takes a pay cut, a move that doesn’t sit well with the veteran wide receiver. However, Stephen Jones is hoping that the Cowboys can convince Bryant to rework his deal. “That's one of the things we're going to have to work through as we move into our future,” said Jones.
Cowboys want to keep Lawrence
During his appearance at the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award event, Jones was asked about the future of defensive end Demarcus Lawrence. According to David Helman of DallasCowboys.com, Stephen said Lawrence will remain a Cowboy, adding that the team will do everything to make something work.
If not, Jones said the Cowboys will use the franchise tag on Lawrence. “We don’t want DeMarcus Lawrence going anywhere,” Jones said. Earlier, it was reported that Lawrence is asking for a long-term deal with an average salary of $17 million, while the franchise tag is around $18 million for 2018. In 2019, Lawrence could receive a 20 percent increase if the Cowboys use the franchise tag on him again.
Stephen Jones speaks highly of Anthony Hitchens
Stephen Jones also discussed the possibility of keeping 25-year-old linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who is known for his versatility, as he has played all three linebacker spots. However, the Cowboys would not be able to afford Hitchens’ price range if they fail to sign him before the start of free agency. Last season, the Cowboys lost defensive back Barry Church, who signed a four-year deal worth $26 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars.