Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant Working On Deal With Saints

November 6th, 2018 at 8:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Free agent receiver Dez Bryant is negotiating a deal with the Saints, who worked him out on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link).

Bryant didn’t immediately leave New Orleans with a contract following his audition, but the club was pleased with his performance, per Pelissero. The Saints have been searching for a veteran receiver to replace Ted Ginn Jr., who was placed on injured reserve weeks ago. Drew Brees certainly has other pass-catching options outside of the receiver position, including running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Ben Watson, but Bryant would give the future Hall of Fame quarterback another viable choice behind No. 1 Michael Thomas.

As Pelissero notes, Bryant has come close to agreements with other clubs earlier this year, so his pact with the Saints shouldn’t be considered final until he signs on the dotted line. Bryant reportedly rejected a one-year accord from the Ravens after being cut by the Cowboys, and also had a dalliance with the Browns. If Bryant, who turned 30 years old on Sunday, does reach a deal with New Orleans, it almost certainly will only run through the end of the 2018 campaign.

Bryant 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 the Saints believe he’ll offer a better performance than any of Brandon Marshall or Kamar Aiken, both of whom also worked out for New Orleans on Monday. Jeremy Kerley was also scheduled to audition, but weather interfered with his flight.

Dez Bryant To Work Out For Saints

November 5th, 2018 at 7:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Saints will bring in three wide receivers for Tuesday workouts. One of them, according to NFL.com’s Jane Slater (Twitter link), is Dez Bryant.

Bryant’s been out of the league all season and has turned down offers from the Ravens and Browns. He’s connected himself to other teams and has been linked to wanting to play for a contender. The Saints have won seven straight.

It’s not known who the other wideouts are, but they almost certainly won’t have Bryant’s pedigree. The Saints have one of the NFL’s best offenses but have been without Ted Ginn for weeks. Bryant and Ginn do not have the same type of skill set, with the latter being a deep threat, but New Orleans has not seen a No. 2 wide receiver step up as a consistent option alongside Michael Thomas.

Alvin Kamara and Ben Watson sit second and third in Saints 2018 receiving yardage. New Orleans has used third-round rookie Tre’Quan Smith (214 yards) as its WR2. He scored a touchdown on Sunday and is averaging 17.8 yards per catch, but has not caught more than three passes in a game. He’s topped out at 44 receiving yards over the past three games.

Bryant wanted a one-year deal from Baltimore in order to re-enter free agency at a better juncture than he did when the Cowboys cut him in April. But the Ravens offered a multiyear deal, and Bryant turned it down. He spurned a Browns offer worth less than $5MM. The Saints have $368K in cap space and would have to make minor rearrangements to accommodate Bryant, but at this point, the 30-year-old wideout wouldn’t be in a position to demand too much money.

The 2010 first-round pick caught 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns last season. While he’s undoubtedly lost a step, a role in a strong Saints passing game could be a boon for his 2019 value. Of course, the Saints may also choose to not rock the boat with a volatile wideout when they’re in this strong of a spot. But they made multiple big trades in order to chase a championship now, unloading a 2019 first-round pick to move up and select Marcus Davenport and sending the Giants two draft picks for Eli Apple.

Texans Not Expected To Pursue WR Dez Bryant

October 27th, 2018 at 9:05am CST by Ben Levine

Following Will Fuller‘s season-ending ACL injury, the Texans are apparently in the market for a wide receiver. However, it sounds like we can cross one major name off their list of potential targets. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle writes that the organization is not expected to pursue free agent wideout Dez Bryant.

Fuller tore his ACL during Thursday’s win over the Dolphins, and the Texans have already auditioned Brice Butler for some reinforcement at the position. Some pundits immediately thought that Bryant would be a logical fit for the organization. For starters, Bryant grew up in Texas, and he spent his entire professional career in Dallas. Furthermore, he attended the same high school as Texans receiver Keke Coutee, and he’s been serving as a mentor to the rookie.

Despite the connections, it doesn’t sound like the 29-year-old will be making his way to Houston. When asked about potentially signing the former Pro Bowler, Bill O’Brien gave a rather generic answer.

“I would say my answer to that is we explore everything,” O’Brien said. “I think that’s kind of the job, one of the main jobs of, obviously, [general manager] Brian (Gaine) and then he brings things to me and then we talk and we communicate.

“I would say we explore everything, including our own team. How can we use this guy in maybe another position? Or do this, can we do that? We look at our own team first in addition to looking at what’s going outside. That would be my general answer to that.”

With Fuller out for the season, Coutee coming back from a hamstring injury, and Bruce Ellington currently sitting on the injured reserve, the Texans are rostering only three healthy wideouts: DeAndre Hopkins, Sammie Coates, and Vyncint Smith.

Browns Unlikely To Sign Bryant, Matthews?

October 8th, 2018 at 2:24pm CST by Zachary Links

On Monday, the Browns learned that wide receiver Rashard Higgins will miss 2-4 weeks of action with a sprained MCL. Rishard Matthews will work out for the team today and could theoretically help to fill the void, but coach Hue Jackson says the Browns are inclined to stick with their current options.

“We’ll see. I mean, I haven’t seen [GM] John [Dorsey] since I was down there earlier. But we’ll see how it unfolds. We have some good candidates here, and I like our guys that are here. So we’ll just see how it all unfolds as we go through the day,” Jackson said. “I feel like [backup receivers Rod Streater, Derrick Willies, and sixth-round rookie Damion Ratley] know our system, know exactly what we’re looking for and know how to come in and practice the way we do and understand what the opportunity would be for them, not that I wouldn’t like somebody else who could really play. But it’s just hard to find those kind of guys at this time, guys that can come in and really contribute right away just ’cause they haven’t practiced with you, don’t know the system. Guys that you have to get caught up to speed, sometimes it just doesn’t work out as well.”

Free agent receiver Dez Bryant, who was in talks with the Browns earlier this year, may face longer odds of joining the club. When asked about the ex-Cowboys star, Jackson said that he hasn’t discussed the possibility with Dorsey recently.

The Browns thinned out their receiver corps in September by trading Josh Gordon to the Patriots, but Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, and Higgins have been keeping the passing offense afloat. Even without Higgins, it sounds like the Browns are comfortable with the players they already have.

Extra Points: Garoppolo, 49ers, Bryant, Irving, Cowboys, Johnson, Eagles

October 5th, 2018 at 9:31pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

There were high hopes for the 49ers in 2018, hopes that were mostly dashed when Jimmy Garoppolo was lost for the season with a torn ACL. The team has insisted they have confidence in backup C.J. Beathard, but the new-look 49ers will almost certainly have to wait until next year to make a serious run at a playoff spot. The good news is that Garoppolo recently underwent surgery, and everything seems to have gone very well.

San Francisco’s GM John Lynch said he spoke to the doctor who performed Garoppolo’s surgery, and that he got a “great report” from the surgeon according to Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle. Lynch added that doctors are “very optimistic about the prognosis for his future.” Separately, Branch notes that coach Kyle Shanahan said the team is hoping Garoppolo will be able to participate in OTAs in some capacity. It sounds like Garoppolo is expected to make a quick recovery and be 100% well before the start of the 2019 season, which is music to the ears of 49ers fans.

Here’s more from around the league:

Earlier today, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made clear the team wouldn’t be bringing back Dez Bryant despite the receiver’s eagerness to return to Dallas. Now his son Stephen Jones, the team’s player personnel boss, has elaborated on why. The younger Jones said it has a lot to do with quarterback Dak Prescott, saying “the last thing unfortunately that Dak needs right now is to continue to change a lot of things up again.” The Cowboys’ receiving corp has been much maligned, but it sounds like it will be staying as is.
Cowboys defensive tackle David Irving is coming back from suspension this week. It’s a huge boost to Dallas’ defense, but to make room for him on the roster they’ll have to make a tough decision. It’s getting close to game day and they still haven’t made the call, so David Moore of Dallas News broke down all their potential options. Jones has said Irving will play, so something will need to be done in the next 36 hours or so.
“A federal judge has denied Eagles OT Lane Johnson’s motion to vacate an NFL arbitration award for his 10-game suspension in 2016″ according to Liz Mullen of Sports Business Journal (Twitter link). Johnson filed the suit last year, alleging his suspension for PEDs was unwarranted, and that there was bias by the judge in the appeals process.

Cowboys Won’t Re-Sign Dez Bryant

October 5th, 2018 at 3:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Dez Bryant says he would prefer to sign with the Cowboys over any other team. Unfortunately for Bryant, it doesn’t sound like his wish will come true. For the umpteenth time this season, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated that he will not re-sign the wide receiver.

“I know I’m the one to ask in response to that,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan on Friday (via Stefan Stevenson of the Star Telegram). “We’re friends, to say the least. I mirror feelings of that nature. It just seems like Dez is a Cowboy. But we have to look at what we’re all having to deal with and that is what’s in the best interest of the team and that’s a different story there.”

The latest wave of Bryant-to-the-Cowboys speculation made some sense, particularly with Terrance Williams‘ status up in the air. Still, the Cowboys are 2-2 after edging out the Lions on Sunday, and Jones isn’t panicking.

“Trust me, if it were in our best interest, his and ours and the teams, then he would be on the field for the Cowboys,” Jones said. “I agree where we are and his status right now. I agree with that. Is that a clear answer?”

With that, it sounds like Bryant will have to focus his attention on another team. That is, if another club makes him a suitable offer between now and the end of the season.

Dez Bryant Wants To Return To Cowboys

October 2nd, 2018 at 3:47pm CST by Zachary Links

If the Cowboys need a wide receiver, Dez Bryant is just a phone call away. When asked about his next landing spot by a fan on Twitter, Bryant replied that his preference would be to re-sign with the Cowboys. If not, however, he says he’ll be “ready to play somewhere else.”

It appears that time has healed the wounds – at least, on Bryant’s side. After the Cowboys released Bryant at a most inopportune time this offseason, the wide receiver set out to sign with a rival NFC East club so that he could make the Cowboys pay twice in the regular season. That opportunity never came to fruition for the veteran, which may explain why he’s softened his anti-Dallas stance.

The Cowboys’ lack of star power at the wide receiver position has been well-documented, and both Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones have been cordial when discussing Bryant in recent months. Still, as recently as two weeks ago, the younger Jones indicated that the team is not interested in a reunion.

Sources close to Bryant believe that he’ll sign sometime in October, but it’s anyone’s guess as to which team will bite.

La Canfora’s Latest: Bryant, Kaepernick, Roughing

September 30th, 2018 at 8:18pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Dez Bryant could be nearing a return to the football field. The biggest-name free agent left has been purposefully coy about when he will sign with a team, but sources close to Bryant are indicating he’ll sign sometime in October according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. One source told La Canfora “will really be in position to talk seriously with any interested clubs in two weeks”

If so, Bryant would probably end up playing a little over half a season for his new team. It’s likely that Bryant will look for a contender to sign with. La Canfora reports that the deal Bryant turned down from the Ravens earlier this year included over $13MM guaranteed, and that the offer he turned down from the Browns was worth around $5MM for one year. Interestingly, La Canfora notes that Bryant is getting help improving his mental health, including depression and panic attacks.

Here’s more from La Canfora:

Eric Reid may have signed with the Panthers recently, but that isn’t changing anything for Colin Kaepernick‘s lawsuit against the league La Canfora reports. Reid is sharing a lawyer with Kaepernick as he also sued the league for collusion. La Canfora writes that Kaepernick’s agent has continued to reach out to teams about potential interest but there “have been no overtures toward Kaepernick.” Although Reid is off the board, it still doesn’t sound like Kaepernick will be anytime soon.
In response to backlash to the sudden increase in roughing the passer penalties, the league’s competition committee is instructing officials only to look for certain specific things from now on, according to La Canfora. While the NFL has maintained not much will change, league sources told La Canfora that the “body weight” rule will now only be enforced if it is absolutely indisputable that the defensive player sought to put his full weight on top of the quarterback. Previously, if it was even questionable, officials were still supposed to call it a penalty.

Extra Points: Bryant, Bell, Cards, ASJ, Harris

September 29th, 2018 at 9:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

Perhaps a “stop us if you’ve heard this before” tagline is appropriate, but Dez Bryant said he intends to sign with a team soon. The former Cowboys wide receiver tweeted “soon” in response to a question about when he planned to end his stay in free agency. This is obviously not the first, second or third time Bryant has discussed his employment plans or hopes, but it’s the latest. Sunday will mark the fourth set of games elapsed without Bryant on a roster. He will turn 30 this season and will be tasked with learning a new offense quickly. It’s not a great situation for the Pro Bowler as October approaches.

Week 4 Sunday is nearly upon us. Here’s what’s going on around the league leading up to it:

Another year’s bringing uncertainty opposite Patrick Peterson in Arizona. The Cardinals have struggled for several seasons to fill their No. 2 cornerback job, and the player they acquired to be the latest solution is now in a competition with Bene Benwikere. The Cards benched Jamar Taylor in Week 3 and now have he and Benwikere competing for the other starting job, Bob McManamon of the Arizona Republic notes. These two follow the likes of Brandon Williams and Justin Bethel in the Cardinals’ continuous search to find a reliable starter opposite Peterson. While both players will still play against the Seahawks, per Steve Wilks, this being a competition again is notable given the team’s recent history here.
The Jets offered Austin Seferian-Jenkins $8MM over two years, but he chose to depart for Jacksonville for a two-year, $10MM agreement. Nevertheless, Todd Bowles doesn’t begrudge his former tight end for departing for a bit more cash. “Nothing personal,” Bowles said, via John Rowe of NorthJersey.com. “The timing wasn’t right. He got away and that’s just part of free agency every year. We lose some and we keep some. But the guys have done a good job filling in right now.” Eric Tomlinson leads Jets tight ends with three receptions for 45 yards. Seferian-Jenkins’ 50-reception season was the most among Gang Green tight ends since Dustin Keller caught 65 passes for 815 yards in 2011. ASJ, though, only turned his 50 grabs into 357 yards. The new Jags pass-catcher has nine receptions for 66 yards entering Week 4.
Gang Green resides as a possible landing spot for Le’Veon Bell, in the view of ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Instagram link). She lists the Jets, Eagles and Packers as being possible fits for the disgruntled running back. The Jets lead this trio with $16MM-plus in cap space. The Eagles hold less than $5MM. Bell is attached to a $10MM-plus prorated version of his franchise tag salary.
The Broncos have not found a replacement for Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby is struggling going into a key game against the Chiefs. This has left Denver’s once-vaunted secondary in trouble, and it continues to force Chris Harris — arguably this decade’s premier slot defender — to play the slot on passing downs. “I like being on the outside because that’s where I can get more picks,’’ Harris said, via 9News’ Mike Klis. “I can read the quarterback more; I can use my coverage skills a lot more. I just think I can make more plays. In the slot, I’m always with my back to the quarterback; I’m man to man most of the time; I can’t see where the ball’s going. So, it’s hard to make those plays.” Late last season, the All-Pro corner expressed a desire to be used on the outside in more than just base sets, but that hasn’t come to pass this season. Denver, which has vacillated between using Adam Jones and Tramaine Brock as its No. 3 corner, ranks 21st against the pass through three games. The team hasn’t finished outside the top five in aerial deterrence in five seasons.

Titans Won’t Rule Out Dez Bryant Signing

September 27th, 2018 at 1:58pm CST by Zachary Links

The Titans are down a wide receiver after granting Rishard Matthews‘ request for a release, and that vacancy could potentially lead them to Dez Bryant. When asked about the free agent, GM Jon Robinson told reporters that he is “looking at all players to see who fits on this football team.” However, he cautioned that the club probably won’t add another wide receiver immediately (Twitter link via Jim Wyatt of the team website).

Bryant is still out of work as we near October, and other clubs with wide receiver needs have more or less dismissed the idea of signing him. Recently, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll indicated that the team will not be adding Bryant, despite Doug Baldwin‘s partial MCL tear.

Bryant, who doesn’t turn 30 until November, has hinted at wanting to join the Patriots or Redskins, but neither team seems interested. The Redskins didn’t reach out despite some injuries to their receiver group and the Patriots are already busy getting Josh Gordon up to speed on the playbook.

Matthews amassed nearly 1,000 yards receiving for the Titans in 2016, so Bryant, one of the league’s best receivers from 2012-2014, could be of use. Still, the Titans may want to focus on getting their offense to click on the whole while properly utilizing Corey Davis, a promising young talent who has yet to find the end zone in his 14 NFL games.

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