Cowboys, Cole Beasley reach deal

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have a deal with a free-agent wide receiver -- it's just not the one everybody thought would get a long-term deal done first.

Cole Beasley, who was set to be a restricted free agent, agreed to a four-year deal worth roughly $14 million and $7 million guaranteed, according to a source, a day after the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Dez Bryant.

The Cowboys could have placed the second-round tender on Beasley, worth roughly $2.4 million, but gave him a multiyear deal to keep the cap numbers lower the next two seasons with more guaranteed money.

Since joining the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, Beasley has developed into one of quarterback Tony Romo's trusted receivers. He caught 37 passes for 420 yards and four touchdowns in 2014 and has 91 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons.

While mainly a slot player, Beasley lined up more outside last season, with the Cowboys moving Bryant around the formation. After catching more than two passes in a game in just two of the first 11 games last season, Beasley had more than two catches in four of the last five games and also scored three touchdowns. In the Cowboys' two playoff games, he caught seven passes for 101 yards.

Bryant reacted to the re-signing of Beasley via Twitter: