While the Browns and wide receiver Dez Bryant reportedly have “mutual interest”, Cleveland has not yet scheduled a meeting with the veteran pass-catcher, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Indeed, the Browns only have a “modicum of interest” in Bryant, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, adding that Cleveland has not yet officially reached out to the ex-Cowboys wideout. If Bryant ultimately does sign with the Browns, he’d likely need to ink a one-year deal that would not be lucrative, per La Canfora, who indicates Bryant isn’t a “natural fit” for the Cleveland roster.
The Browns have interest in Bryant due to fellow receiver Josh Gordon‘s ongoing absence, and it’s presently unclear if and when Gordon will be returning to the club. However, if Cleveland’s interest is as lukewarm as reports suggest, Bryant could conceivably hold off on signing a new contract until later this year. Some teams will surely face injuries at the wide receiver position, which could create more openings for Bryant around the league.
While a number of teams — including the Packers and Cardinals — have been tangentially linked to Bryant since he was released by the Cowboys, no clubs aside from the Ravens and Browns have 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 had been expected to land a new deal inJuly, so the clock is now ticking on the veteran wideout.
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 most quarterbacks. Recently, Bryant has expressed interest in signing with the 49ers, while Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report indicated that league insiders’ “best guess” is that Bryant will land with San Francisco.
Most Browns fans say “Good!”
They have a guy entering his 3rd season that is been great everyday so far. We’ll see how that plays out.
49ers would probably be even less interested in Dez than the Browns. My “best guess” is that his next game will be played in one of those new leagues that have been formed.
Hmmm, if they haven’t even scheduled a visit with him, then why is it news?
Just look at it as confirmation that prior reports of a visit are unconfirmable. Of course that still leaves us needing confirmation that reports of a non visit are factual…lol.