Dez Bryant Wants Respect From Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones, Is He Threatening To Leave If His Loyalty Is Tested?

Star Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has warned the NFL team to not disrespect him with the organization's contract offers, as he's now demanding to be paid like one of the best receivers in the NFL. 

Speaking to the Forth Worth Star Telegram, Bryant said "I just know what I'm going to accept and I know what I'm not going to accept. You know, it's not about the money." He went on to reaffirm that while he loved being with the Cowboys, he wanted respect to come into the contract negotiations. "I just feel like a little respect should play a factor in that. I love it [here]. It's all about respect. I am a very loyal person, but just don't test my loyalty."

Two-time pro bowl receiver Bryant is playing out the last year of his rookie contract, and he and the Cowboys have been trying to settle on an extension since last season. 

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told The Dallas Morning News "What we want to do is have an agreement for the rest of Dez's career. To me, that says a lot about the concern about off-the-field (issues) if we want him on the Dallas Cowboys for the rest of his career."

The Cowboys owner added that he was impressed with Bryant's development as a receiver, and was definitely looking to reach an agreement with the pass-catcher, who currently sits 9th in the NFL in total receiving yards.

Stephen Jones, the Cowboys COO (and son of Jerry) added "We've offered him some really nice contracts. We also have to respect his views on where it is. My take on those things is that they ultimately find a way. I have a lot of confidence we will. I think Dez wants to be here and I know we want him here."

Despite the Dallas Cowboys ownership brass and nfl.com saying that the Cowboys are going "all in" on Bryant, NFL.com's Ian Rapaport, however, expressed the organization's concerns about Bryant's off the field behavious, saying "The Cowboys, I am told by multiple sources involved in the situation, do not trust Dez Bryant off the field. They feared -- and they have feared for a while -- that it will all blow up in his face, that a variety of small incidents will all come back to haunt him."

Bryant would be looking at a contract somewhere in the vicinity of a "starting salary around $13 million and $30 million in guaranteed money," reports CBS. But ESPNdallas.com are reporting that  "the Cowboys' best offer was a 10-year deal that averaged less than $12 million per year and included only $20 million in guaranteed money."

What do you think? Is Dez worth the money, or would you preach caution if you were the Cowboys?