The Sports Xchange

The NFL Players Association reportedly is investigating what it considers possible collusion by the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos regarding their franchise wide receivers.

Earlier this offseason, the Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Dez Bryant and the Broncos tagged Demaryius Thomas. Both teams have been negotiating long-term contracts with their No. 1 receivers and have until Wednesday to strike deals or Bryant and Thomas will have to play the 2015 season under the $12.8 million franchise tenders.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFLPA thinks the Cowboys and Broncos have discussed the contract negotiations, in violation of the collective-bargaining agreement.

The NFLPA apparently suspects that the teams are trying to avoid setting the receivers’ market too high. Calvin Johnson’s $16.2 million annual average is the highest among NFL receivers. Most of the other top wideouts are paid around $11 million per year.

Bryant, Dallas’ first-round pick in 2010, has averaged 91 receptions, 1,312 yards and 14 touchdowns the past three seasons.

Thomas, Denver’s first-round pick in 2010, has averaged 99 receptions, 1,494 yards and 12 scores over the past the years.