ESPN Watkins: Talks haven't started yet with Dez Bryant

[WoodysGirl]

Jun 22
11:01
AM CT

By Calvin Watkins


Over the last few days, several NFL teams have signed their sixth-, fifth- and even third-round draft picks.

The Cowboys haven't started talks, at least serious ones, with any of their picks. Team executive Stephen Jones said it will get done, and he's not worried because it always works out.

Traditionally, the Cowboys don't start talks with agents of the draft picks until almost a week before training camp begins.

As far as first-round pick Dez Bryant is concerned, Jones said he wants him in camp on time. However, the last three first-round picks -- Mike Jenkins, Felix Jones and Anthony Spencer -- arrived late to camp by a few days, and it wasn't considered a big deal.

Bryant's agent, Eugene Parker, said talks with the club haven't begun yet.

Cowboys players don't have to report to San Antonio until July 23. First practice is July 24.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Bryant will be in camp at the start.

 

[Joe Realist]

He will miss 2 days at max

 

[Marktui]

The Cowboys always start negotiating contracts about a week before training camp. I think they said that it normally goes better, because both parties are motivated and are serious in talks.

They say that when doing contracts early, nothing ever gets done, because agents are always scared their client will not get top dollar if signed early.

 

[ThePickman]

It's not time to sweat this yet. The players selected after Bryant in the first round need to sign first to establish a range for his salary. Things fall into place from there. The 32nd pick will sign first then each earlier pick will get a contract worth a litttle more than the player behind him.

Issues don't arise unless a player wants to break out of the mold and earn more than someone in front of him, like Crabtree last season, or a team plays hardball and wants to pay less than standard.

 

[dmq]

Cowboys always do this, but it is annoying how our top pick always seems to be a day late. Why not just negotiate a week earlier.

 

[Doomsday101]

This topic is brought up every year and every year Jerry gets the guys signed.

 

[DCBoysfan]

This topic is brought up every year and every year Jerry gets the guys signed.

Ditto to that, I never worry about getting draft picks signed.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Jerry and Stephen will get it done.

 

[big dog cowboy]

We will rue the day

Jerry and Stephen will get it done.

OK nevermind.

 

[Coakleys Dad]

They said on NFL network yesterday zero #1 picks have been signed..in fact zero #2 picks have been signed. It's like the local media is trying to stir up ish. Aren't they supposed to be on our side?

 

[Doomsday101]

They said on NFL network yesterday zero #1 picks have been signed..in fact zero #2 picks have been signed. It's like the local media is trying to stir up ish. Aren't they supposed to be on our side?

No they are not on the side of the Cowboys. You would figure after all these years of getting draft picked signed that it would not be an issue.

 

[Longboysfan]

Non issue. They are watching the signings now and bracketing some numbers so they are ready to go with each pick.

Bryant may do a contract with a buyout clause or play out clause for how well he produces.

 

[Hoofbite]

Why even write the article if Dallas is known for not talking until a little before TC?

 

[hornitosmonster]

Slow news week?

 

[StanleySpadowski]

I'm somewhat concerned about Bryant's signing but it has nothing to do with not starting negotiations yet.

Parker has a history of holding out his clients and Bryant's situation may be similar to Crabtree's last year. A WR chosen a few picks in front of him whom Parker feels was an inferior prospect and looking to jump contract-wise.

Tebow may also skew the slot system for picks in that range.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm somewhat concerned about Bryant's signing but it has nothing to do with not starting negotiations yet.

Parker has a history of holding out his clients and Bryant's situation may be similar to Crabtree's last year. A WR chosen a few picks in front of him whom Parker feels was an inferior prospect and looking to jump contract-wise.

Tebow may also skew the slot system for picks in that range.

Jerry has been able to deal with him. Felix Jones is also a client of Parker as well as some other former Cowboys