Dallas Cowboys Confirm Plans to Use the Franchise Tag on Dez Bryant

Image courtesy of Arnie Kuenn/Flickr.

The Dallas Cowboys have figured out how to handle their biggest free-agent.

Dallas Cowboys' Executive Vice President, Stephen Jones, confirmed that the team plans on applying the franchise tag to All-Pro wideout, Dez Bryant.

ESPN's broke the news.

The Cowboys have to notify the league of the move by 4 p.m. ET Monday, which will guarantee Bryant roughly $13 million in 2015. The Cowboys will not use the exclusive franchise tag on Bryant, but a team would have to give up two first-round picks if Dallas chooses not to match an offer sheet.

The Cowboys had a meeting with Bryant's agents at the NFL scouting combine. Jerry Jones said he hoped the tag would be a "placeholder" until the two sides can work out a long-term deal with Bryant.

Jerry and Stephen Jones had their first face-to-face meetings with Bryant's new agents, Tom Condon of CAA and Kim Miale of Roc Nation, last Tuesday.

Jerry Jones told the Fort-Worth Star Telegram that Dez Bryant should be happy with the tag

http://youtu.be/VB-Mm9fRQ34

Rumors of Bryant's off the field issues are said to be the reason the Cowboys have been hesitant to give him a big contract.

Last season, Bryant led the team with 88 receptions, 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns.