Bryant first to sign from first round

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IRVING, Texas, July 22 (UPI) -- The Dallas Cowboys announced Thursday they had signed wide receiver Dez Bryant, their first-round pick in this year's draft.

Bryant became the first of the 32 players selected in the opening round of the NFL draft to sign a contract. The Dallas Morning News reported the deal was for five years and $11.8 million -- $8.3 million of which was guaranteed.

"This was very important to me to be able to get this done in time for the first practice (of training camp)," Bryant said. "I want to help this team. I want to compete. I can't wait to start playing football again."

Bryant caught 87 passes for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns for Oklahoma State in 2008, which was his last full season at the school. He was suspended for most of the 2009 season for an NCAA rules violation.

In other NFL signing news Thursday, the Cleveland Browns reportedly came to terms with quarterback Colt McCoy, their third-round pick. The Cleveland Plain Dealer said McCoy signed for $4.96 million over four years.

McCoy won more games than any other major college quarterback in history while with the Texas Longhorns. He threw for 13,253 yards and 112 touchdowns over his four-year career.