The Dallas Cowboys have quite a big decision to make. DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing yards last season, is no longer on the roster, and Dez Bryant is seeking a new long-term contract.

There's no doubt that Bryant is one of, if not the best wide receivers in the NFL today. Bryant has recorded more than 1,200 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons and 41 touchdowns in that time span. Bryant has the third most receiving touchdowns in a players first five seasons in NFL history behind only Jerry Rice and Randy Moss. That's some pretty good company.

Bryant has increased his touchdown production all five season of his career thus far.

But, owner (and general manager) Jerry Jones has a monumental decision to make. Should the Cowboys continue with the franchise tag plan, give Bryant a long-term deal, or simply let him walk as a free agent? The ideal situation would of course be to sign Bryant long-term, but NFL salary cap restrictions are tough to get around. If Bryant is willing to take less (that's not looking too good) then that would work out great for the Cowboys.

So, let's break down the Cowboys options.

The first and most obvious option is the one they plan on doing: a franchise tag. Franchise tagging Bryant has its pros and cons for the Cowboys. The Cowboys would get to lock up Bryant for another year regardless of what he desires. The Cowboys could even use the franchise tag again next year, keeping him on the roster. The negative side with the franchise tag is longevity and short-term cap space.

Implementing the franchise tag on Bryant would guaranteed him nearly $13 million this upcoming season. If the Cowboys continue to use the tag on Bryant, it will decrease the probability of him staying with the team in the future. A fractured relationship isn't what Cowboys management wants going forward.

Another option for the Cowboys is to simply give in. The Cowboys have arguably the best wide out in the league, and they don't want him playing elsewhere. Locking up Bryant long-term does have its positives and negatives to consider. On the other hand, if the Cowboys make Bryant the highest paid receiver in the league, they may regret it. Calvin "Megatron" Johnson is an elite receiver, but the Detroit Lions have yet to win a single playoff game with him and his $60 million guaranteed contract. Signing Bryant to a max deal could result in a weaker defense.

Signing Bryant to a long-term deal would at least ensure that he doesn't play elsewhere. The Cowboys tested Murray's patience, and now he's with the Philadelphia Eagles. Losing a young elite receiver like Bryant within the conference to another NFC team could be disastrous. The Atlanta Falcons probably wish they kept Brett Favre.

The third and final option for the Cowboys is to not give in, not franchise tag Bryant next year, and simply part ways. This would obviously be the most unlikely scenario. Letting Bryant walk as a free agent would damage the Cowboys deep ball and roster depth, but they would save a great deal amount of salary cap space. Doing so would allow the Cowboys to invest in a better secondary, better running backs, and a new future franchise quarterback as Tony Romo is nearing the end of his career.

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