Dallas Cowboys Morning Links: Dez Bryant To Sit Out? Ranking Returners
In this Saturday edition of Morning Links, will the Dallas Cowboys top wide recevier opt to sit out Week One if he doesn’t get the contract he wants? Plus, one former Dallas great makes millions from chicken wings. All that and much, much more as we dive into the best Cowboys news from around the web this morning.
Dez Bryant: ‘Legit’ chance of skipping game action by Chris Wesseling, NFL.com
"Demaryius Thomas isn’t the only franchise-tagged wide receiver in danger of missing training camp if a long-term deal isn’t signed by mid-July.Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant told NFL Media columnist Michael Silver on Friday that he might miss regular-season action in a contract dispute."
Editor’s Note: In my mind, the Cowboys and Dez Bryant will get a deal done by the deadline. Both parties want him to be in Dallas for the foreseeable future. If they don’t get a contract done, I think there is a chance Dez decides to sit out Week One. I’m just not sure what his endgame will be if the Cowboys don’t budge.
Dez Bryant willing to miss a game if Cowboys don’t pay up, but history suggests they shouldn’t by Rana L. Cash, Sporting News
"Dez Bryant would consider not playing for the Cowboys in the season opener if he doesn’t get the long-term contract he wants by the July 15 deadline, he told NFL Network’s Michael Silver on Friday. Bryant confirmed an earlier report by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen."
Editor’s Note: For those few fans vying that Bryant and the Cowboys don’t reach a long-term deal, here are your reasons. The recent history of the NFL’s top tier wide outs getting paid isn’t a good one. Plus, Bryant’s physical nature means his body will probably start to break down sooner than later.
Top 10: With Harris Gone, Staff Writers Rank Cowboys’ Best Return Specialists by DallasCowboys.com
"The Cowboys have one of the top offenses in the NFL and are trying to improve a defense that made big strides in 2014. But what about the return game? The Cowboys lost Dwayne Harris to free agency and will now try to stop the dynamic returner who signed with the Giants."
Editor’s Note: I was honestly shocked how high Dwayne Harris is on this list. Either it’s a case that the Cowboys should have tried harder to keep him this offseason or Dallas simply hasn’t had very many elite returners in their franchise’s history.
Troy Aikman reaps millions by selling Wingstop shares on 1st day of trading by Darren Rovell, ESPN.com
"Love of wings has turned into millions of dollars for Troy Aikman. The former Dallas Cowboys great confirmed Friday night that he cashed out an undisclosed stake of shares he owned in Dallas-based Wingstop, which saw its share price rise 61 percent on its first day of trading Friday."
Editor’s Note: I’m often intrigued by the life lived by these player off-the-field, especially after retirement. More often than not, the stories are negative in nature. It’s good to see this former Super Bowl MVP making wise business decisions. And man, those wings are good!
Daily Defeats To D-Ware Made Tyron Better; Now Gregory Learns Lessons by Rob Phillips, DallasCowboys.com
"Randy Gregory admits it. He’s taking NFL Pass Rush 101 in these offseason workouts, and Tyron Smith is teaching class. “I do what I can,” Gregory says with a grin, “but he’s one of the best tackles in the league. There’s only so much you can do.”"
Editor’s Note: The idea that Gregory is facing top-tier talent on every play this offseason is encouraging. But I have learned to temper my expectations when it comes to rookie rushers. There have only been a handful to find real success their first season in the league. The odds are certainly stacked against this second round pick in 2015.
Next: Has Lache Seastrunk Found A Home With The Dallas Cowboys?