Update 9:52 am PST*

ESPN Insider Ed Werder is now reporting Stephen Jones has since denied the claims that Dez Bryant called him and threatened to sit out games.

#Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones in a text denies @DezBryant has threatened to miss training camp, regular-season games

— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) July 13, 2015

***Original Story***

Reports broke on Monday morning that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant told the team’s Director of Player Personnel Stephen Jones that he will hold out of training camp and miss games if the two sides can’t hammer out an extension by Wednesday’s deadline. The Cowboys slapped the franchise tag on Bryant after the season, rather than giving him a long-term extension, because the team is worried about Bryant’s past off-the-field issues and his immaturity.

A few weeks ago, reports leaked that the Cowboys were willing to call Bryant’s bluff because the team believes Bryant has “money problems,” and it’s a big reason behind his demand for a new deal. Jerry Jones is concerned about entering into a long-term contract with Bryant for fear that he will lose money on his investment. While the team needs Bryant on the field to be successful, Jones is using his tremendous business acumen to keep his options open.

With his performance last season, Bryant has every right to request a contract that would make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. Bryant caught 88 balls for 1,320 yards and 16 touchdowns, and the Cowboys were one Bryant “drop” away from a possible NFC Championship Game appearance. Last season was Bryant’s third-straight 1,000 yard season, and he’s only 26 years old, if he ever were to hit the open market, he would receive the type of money he’s seeking.

I do find it a bit interesting that the Cowboys are concerned about Bryant’s off-the-field issues. The team has had a history of giving players with checkered pasts an opportunity. Last season it was Rolando McClain, who is the poster boy for off-the-field incidents, and this season the Cowboys signed Greg Hardy, who only threatened to kill his girlfriend and threw her on a pile of assault weapons while roughing her up.

With only two days remaining until the deadline, Cowboys fans everywhere are on the edge of their seats. Without Bryant, the team has no shot of repeating last season’s success, but with him there could be potential problems down the road. It’s a conundrum that only the Cowboys could create, and it will be interesting to see if Bryant’s power play works in his favor.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.