Dallas Cowboys NFL 2015 news: Dez Bryant visits team during minicamp despite contract dispute

Wikipedia

The Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver Dez Bryant finally reunited amidst the contract dispute between both sides during the last day of the team's minicamp before they head to their training camp.

Bryant said recently that he was going to miss regular season action when NFL opens a new year this September because he wants a long-term deal with the Cowboys.

Dallas assigned him a franchise tag last March that will guarantee him $12.83 million but he refused to sign it.

The Cowboys and Bryant still have the chance to come up with a long-term agreement until the deadline on July 15 or else the two-time Pro Bowler will have to sign his franchise tender to play for the upcoming season.

After a long time of not being with Cowboys, Bryant showed up Thursday at the AT&T Stadium but did not practice with the team.

USA Today Sports reported that the 26-year-old watched the practice from the sidelines, chatted with quarterback Tony Romo and played catch with an employee.

"Great to have him here. He's dropped in really throughout the offseason program. Dez is a special guy. ... Very important to our football team," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said according to the Associated Press.

Before Bryant's visit, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said during the team's second minicamp Wednesday that he is confident the wide receiver will be with them in Week 1 when they host the New York Giants.

"If we're still in a franchise situation with Dez, I have no doubt that he'll be leading the way against the New York Giants," Jones said according to ESPN. 

"We just know how competitive Dez is and how much he wants to beat the Giants and how much he wants to support his teammates," he added.

Jones also said he understands Bryant and his goal of getting a long-term deal but they need to work on an agreement in which everyone can benefit.

"I know he, like the Cowboys, want him to be a Cowboy all of his playing career. We value him," Jones stated.