Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant Says He's Ready To Miss Games Over Contract Dispute

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant could miss some games in the upcoming NFL season because of an unresolved contract dispute. Multiple news outlets have reported the probable holdout of Bryant, including NFL media columnist Michael Silver and ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Just heard from @DezBryant regarding the @mortreport item that he may sit out Week 1 in contract dispute. 'This is no rumor; it's legit.'
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) June 12, 2015

Whether he really has the resolve, Dez Bryant weighs skipping Cowboys' season opener if no deal signed http://t.co/rpNMt9tLtg
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) June 12, 2015

If Bryant misses games in the regular season, it will cost the 26-year-old wide receiver about $1 million per game missed on a franchise-tagged year that will earn him nearly $13 million in the 2015 season. The recent statement is seen as a move by Bryant to force the team to give him a long-term contract extension. Both sides have a deadline of July 15 to agree on the deal.

Bryant, who will enter his sixth NFL season, has recorded 1,200-plus receiving yards in the past three seasons. For his five-year career, Bryant has accumulated 5,424 receiving yards on 381 catches for 56 yards.

The two-time NFL Pro Bowler, in 2013 and 2014, is tied for the league’s highest-paid wide receiver with Demaryius Thomas (Denver Broncos), who will also earn $12.8 million in 2015. Other WRs with similar contracts are Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions), Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) and A.J. Green (Cincinnati Bengals).