Dez Bryant: Will Receive Franchise Tag

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones confirmed Saturday that the team has informed Bryant's agent that it will use the franchise tag on the receiver prior to Monday's deadline, ESPN.com's Todd Archer reports.

Analysis:

While the franchise designation likely won't please Bryant, owner Jerry Jones indicated during the NFL Combine earlier in February that such a move would likely only be a "placeholder" until player and team come to terms on a more lucrative long-term contract. With at least 85 catches, 1,200 yards, and 12 touchdowns in each of the last three seasons while not missing a single game, Bryant has firmly established himself as one of the elite talents at his position. He won't turn 27 until November and should have a few prime years left in him.