The Cowboys are taking Dez Bryant's passionate temperament and much-analyzed sideline demeanor into account while weighing what's next for the receiver.

Executive vice president Stephen Jones detailed the team's thought process Monday during an appearance on the team website's "Hangin' With The Boys" podcast/radio show.

Bryant's behavior can be a distraction, Jones admitted in rare comments that verged on being critical of the No. 1 receiver. Jones also said Bryant is expected to live up to the mega five-year, $70-million extension he signed in 2015. Bryant's impact on the offense has diminished since, and he's lacked a connection with second-year quarterback Dak Prescott, who took over for Tony Romo in 2016.

"Tony certainly his game, they kind of tailored it to one another," Jones said. "When Dak came in, he certainly is not going to play the game exactly like Tony played the game. I think it hasn't ever just hit on all cylinders yet in term of how Dak-and-Dez the connection works. I think it's a work in progress. I think it could improve if given the opportunity.

"The other thing that we all see and it is certainly visible to anyone who watches our games, watches our sideline, is Dez is certainly a fiery guy who plays with a lot of emotion both on and off the field. Sometimes that can be a distraction. It can be a distraction for Dez, it can be a distraction for other teammates. And we just have to really get our hands around when you put all the full body of work together where that's headed.

"Of course we pay Dez a lot of money, and he knows that. He's as aware of it as anybody. ... He knows when you get paid that kind of money there's high expectations in terms of the productivity. ... Those are all things we have to look at as a team, as an organization when we start to put our team together for next year."

The Cowboys could ask Bryant to take a pay cut, which he's indicated he would resist. They could also move on from Bryant after eight seasons, as he's received all $45 million of his guaranteed money. Bryant is scheduled to make $12.5 million and count $16.5 million against the salary cap in each of the next two seasons. Dallas can free up about $8.5 million if they release Bryant or $12 million if he's designated as a post-June 1 cut.