National Football League

Report: Dez to skip season opener if he doesn't get long-term deal

Published Jun. 12, 2015 3:35 p.m. ET

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant isn't messing around.

ESPN.com Chris Mortensen had first reported that Bryant -- who had the franchise tag slapped on him by the Cowboys -- was just considering sitting out Week 1 if the Cowboys didn't offer him a deal by July 15, which is the deadline for tagged players to sign their tenders. Bryant has refused to sign the tender, which would net him $12.8 if million for 2015.

Bryant wants a multiyear deal and isn't just thinking about sitting out anymore.

"This is no rumor; it's legit," Bryant said

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones was recently reported as saying that getting Bryant signed to a long-term deal is a priority. However, the team has yet to offer Bryant any contract of that nature since the start of the 2014 season.

Bryant may end up pulling an Emmitt Smith, as the running back held out for the first two games of the 1993 season. The team suffered two losses, signed Smith to a favorable deal then proceeded to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.

Bryant, entering his sixth season in Dallas, is coming off an elite 2014 performance that saw him total 1,350 yards and 16 touchdowns.

It is clear that Bryant is willing to play hardball to ignite some action regarding his contract.

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