As we draw closer to the unofficial start of the football season, with training camps across the country opening in just a few weeks, more and more players taken in last April’s draft are beginning to reach common ground with their clubs.

On Thursday, Dallas did just that with their first round selection, wide receiver Dez Bryant, who agreed to a five year contract worth an estimated $11.8 million, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas.

Bryant, who was selected 24th overall last April, will make $8.3 million guaranteed over the contract, and has the ability to increase his salary with playing time incentives.

The former Oklahoma State standout hasn’t exactly wowed many people around the league with his off the field behavior, but his decision to put aside a tough negotiation stance in favor of making it to training camp on time has to be commended.

“This was very important to me to be able to get this done in time for the first practice. I want to help this team. I want to compete. I can’t wait to start playing football again.”

– Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant

Bryant is expected to push incumbent starter Roy Williams this year for playing time, with Pro Bowl receiver Miles Austin starting on the opposite side.