Report: Dez Bryant 'all but resigned' to accepting Cowboys' franchise tag

Dez Bryant has reportedly "all but resigned himself" to accepting the Dallas Cowboys' franchise tag this offseason.

Dez Bryant has "all but resigned himself" to accepting the Dallas Cowboys' franchise tag this offseason, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Clarence E. Hill Jr. reports.

The free-agent wide receiver said earlier this month that he plans on being with the Cowboys for the rest of his career, but his Roc Nation Sports representatives have reportedly not held contract talks with Dallas in months. With the NFL scouting combine starting on Tuesday and running through Monday, that is expected to change.

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In his fifth NFL season, Bryant caught 88 receptions for 1,320 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns. He was also a first-team All-Pro selection and named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl.

Asked last month about his free agency, Bryant said, "I'm a Cowboy at heart. It's Cowboys forever. It's a process. We are talking about big money. I am pretty sure it's going to be positive at the end of the day."

Teams have a two-week window to apply the franchise tag, beginning Monday and running through March 2. The franchise tag for a receiver is expected to be about $13 million, according to the Star-Telegram.

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Dallas also has 19 other free agents to negotiate with, including running back DeMarco Murray and linebacker Rolando McClain.

The Cowboys finished 12-4 last season, winning the NFC East and making the playoffs for the first time since 2009.

- Mike Fiammetta