As the NFL turns its calendar to July, most of the rumors connecting free agent wideout Dez Bryant to the 49ers have been initiated by Bryant himself, as the veteran pass-catcher indicated in a May Instagram post that he’d like to sign with San Francisco. But it’s not only Bryant that’s stirring the Bay Area pot, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report, who indicates league insiders’ “best guess” is that Bryant will end up signing with the 49ers.
The 49ers still have more than $45MM in available cap space, so inking Bryant — who is reportedly looking for a one-year deal after turning down a three-year pact from the Ravens earlier this year — shouldn’t present a financial obstacle. Roster-wise, San Francisco boasts Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin as its top two receivers, but doesn’t have much depth after that, with Trent Taylor, rookie Dante Pettis, and Aldrick Robinson lurking as secondary options.
Even if he were to play a reduced snap count behind Garcon and Goodwin, Bryant — who stands 6’2″ — could give the 49ers a larger red-zone weapon than they currently possess (both Garcon and Goodwin are 6’0″ or shorter). Bryant, 29, certainly comes with risk, as he hasn’t topped 1,000 yards receiving since 2014, while his 12.1 yards per reception in 2017 was the lowest average of his career. But he can still post up opposing defensive backs near the end zone, and would be a tantalizing option for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
While a number of teams — including the Packers and Cardinals — have been tangentially linked to Bryant since he was released by the Cowboys, no club aside from the Ravens has been directly interested in the former first-round pick. In fact, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com has reported many teams are unwilling to consider Bryant even at the minimum salary. Bryant hadn’t been expected to land a new deal until July, so the clock is now ticking on the veteran wideout.
In a recent Pro Football Rumors poll, readers agreed with Freeman’s NFL sources that Bryant will ultimately land in San Francisco, with the Patriots finishing as a strong second choice.
nice add wants he signs with us
Dez Bryant’s last season over 1,000 yards receiving 2014? Tony Romo’s last full season was 2014. Coincidence? He can be bad for team chemistry, but this guy isn’t washed. He just needs a QB that can throw outside the numbers and he can once again reach Pro Bowl status. This dude is motivated, and if he can remain healthy is going to be a steal if he goes to a team with an offense that doesn’t start and end with the RB.
Hopefully he doesn’t. Jimmy G could do without an old wr with a huge ego that can’t separate from coverage anymore.
“separate from coverage anymore”? Dez Bryant was running a 4.5 at at his Pro Day in 2010. Never a guy that relied on speed, he’s 6’2 and relies on QB accuracy and physicality. SF (or any team in need of WR help) would be smart to sign this guy to a 1 year incentive laden deal, and if he acts up? Cut him!
This might get me in some hot water, but this is a bigger surprise than Eric Reid. How is he not signed yet??? If it’s on his own terms, then ok and that’s what it seems like. But for teams to have zero interest??? Wow. And I’m an eagles fan. Witnessed his destruction too many times.
He himself said the problem is not that he doesn’t have offers, it’s that the fit hasn’t been right yet. The Ravens gave him an offer and I would be surprised if no other team has. He’s holding out for the contract he wants from a team that plays in a state he wants to live in.
Teams don’t think he is worth what is is asking. He turned down 3 years 40million from the Ravens which was a lot of money for a guy who’s production was declining.
Why would he play behind those two guys? I know his attitude can be a challenge but he’s far superior to those guys
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