IRVING, Texas – Dez Bryant might be working out on his own, but he did stop by Valley Ranch on Friday to meet first-round pick Byron Jones and visit with Cowboys staff members.
The star receiver hasn't yet signed his $12.8 million franchise tag tender, as both sides hope to get a long-term contract worked out before the July 15 deadline to negotiate before the 2015 season.
Technically not under contract at this time, Bryant has chosen not to participate in the start of the Cowboys' voluntary offseason program at Valley Ranch. But his cameo on draft weekend clearly shows he's still engaged in team activities.
"Makes me smile that he was here," executive vice president Stephen Jones said.
Running Back on Day 3?
Apparently Jerry Jones wasn't bluffing when he said drafting a running back wasn't a "must."
The Cowboys have been linked to just about every top prospect for months in mock drafts, but instead they filled other needs with their top three picks.
They could draft a back with one of their final four picks on Saturday, but team officials feel good about their current depth chart that includes seven-year veteran Darren McFadden and returning backs Joseph Randle, Ryan Williams and Lance Dunbar.
"We did not have it down as a 'must' drafting position when we came in," Jones reiterated Friday. "I'm not trying to sell it. We're drafting at positions and drafting players that are more important to us than running back."
Free's Timetable
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said veteran right tackle Doug Free should be fully recovered from offseason foot surgery in time for training camp in late July.
Free's absence in OTA's and minicamp this spring will mean increased reps for third-round pick Chaz Green, a three-year starter at Florida who played both tackle spots but primarily the right side.
The Cowboys think Green has the athleticism to play either side in the NFL. With Free at full strength, Green is the logical choice to replace the departed Jermey Parnell (Jacksonville) as the backup swing tackle.
Cowboys Aware of Hardy Tweet
In the middle of a busy second draft day, Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones said the team was made aware of the controversial tweet sent from Greg Hardy's Twitter account Friday night referencing the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center that collapsed in the Sept. 11 attacks.
Head coach Jason Garrett said late Friday he had already attempted to contact Hardy about the tweet and would discuss it with him "immediately."
Hardy later apologized for the tweet on his account.
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