Dez Bryant prepared to miss games to force new deal

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has admitted that he is prepared to miss the start of the season if he has not signed a long-term deal before July.

The Cowboys and the 26-year-old were unable to come to a long-term agreement before free agency earlier this year, leading the club to designate the wideout with the franchise tag to keep him under contract for the 2015 season.

However, Bryant has refused to practice with the Cowboys during their off-season activities as part of his holdout to attempt to force a new contract, and has not signed his franchise-tag tender.

A report from ESPN suggested that he was prepared to miss the start of the 2015 campaign if he had not received a new contract by the July 15 deadline, which he confirmed to be the truth.

"This is not a rumour," Bryant told NFL Network. "It's legit."

Bryant recorded 88 receptions for 1,320 yards along with 16 touchdowns for the Cowboys last season.