Dallas Cowboys executive vice-president Stephen Jones has conceded that there is a "divide" between the club and wide receiver Dez Bryant over his contract.
The NFC East side were unable to come to a long-term agreement with the All-Pro before free agency so they designated him with the franchise tag to keep him under contract for the 2015 season.
However, talks over a new contract have not progressed, and Bryant has threatened to miss regular-season matches if he does not receive a deal by the July 15 deadline.
Jones has admitted that the threats of the 26-year-old are not overly concerning, and he still remains hopeful that they can come to terms in the near future.
He told SiriusXM NFL Radio: "I don't listen to any of that. Right now there's just too big of a divide.
"This is the tough side of our game. Our goal is to sign Dez Bryant long term and we know that's his goal as well."
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett has echoed the thoughts of Jones by insisting that Bryant's love of football will see him return to the team.
Simon Sinclair
