Dez Bryant - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks Not Interested In Dez Bryant?

September 20th, 2018 at 8:57am CST by Zachary Links

It doesn’t sound like Doug Baldwin‘s partial MCL tear will lead the Seahawks to sign Dez Bryant. When asked about the ex-Cowboys receiver, head coach Pete Carroll told reporters that he “like(s) the guys they have,” (Twitter link via Mike Vorel of The Seattle Times).

Through two weeks, previously unknown tight end Will Dissly leads the Seahawks in receiving yards and touchdowns. Meanwhile, receivers Tyler Lockett and Brandon Marshall haven’t exactly set the world on fire. Still, Carroll isn’t panicking, and he apparently is not itching to add Bryant to the fold.

The Seahawks are clearly missing Baldwin, but they’re also facing bigger issues than their receiving personnel. Through two games, the Seahawks’ offensive line has been porous and unable to give Russell Wilson sufficient time in the pocket. On top of that, running backs Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny have been unable to keep opposing defenses honest. Arguably, fixing those issues and getting Jaron Brown more involved in the offense would have a larger impact on the Seahawks’ passing offense than signing Bryant.

It’s hard to forecast Bryant’s future destination, but we can pretty much scratch a Cowboys reunion off of the list.

East Rumors: Patriots, Cowboys, Bills

September 19th, 2018 at 9:49pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Reports of discord within the Patriots‘ organization are nothing new, but a new book by ESPN’s Ian O’Connor has shed even more light on the dynamic between head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. In “Belichick: The Making of the Greatest Football Coach of All Time,” O’Connor reports that Brady would “divorce” Belichick if he could, but feared alienating New England fans after the Patriots traded backup (and possible successor) Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers last season. “If you’re married 18 years to a grouchy person who gets under your skin and never compliments you, after a while you want to divorce him,” a source told O’Connor. Brady will return for yet another season with the Belichick and the Patriots after agreeing to a revised contract that includes multiple performance-based incentives.

Here’s more from the NFL’s two East divisions:

The Cowboys, perhaps unsurprisingly, don’t have any interest in re-signing veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant, as executive Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan (Twitter link via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News). “Don’t necessarily see that at this moment, but we’re always looking for ways to improve,” Jones said. “Obviously we’re focused on the guys that are on our team at the moment.” Dallas is currently fielding arguably the league’s worst receiving corps, as complementary options such as Cole Beasley, Tavon Austin, Deonte Thompson, and Allen Hurns top the club’s depth chart. Bryant, though, wouldn’t be a clear improvement after a disappointing 2017 campaign. Now 29 years old, Bryant has been linked to multiple clubs this offseason, but only came close to a contact with the Browns, who could still opt to sign him.
Speaking of Bryant, the veteran receiver was a factor in Brice Butler re-signing with the Cowboys this week, per Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram, who notes Bryant told Butler to head back to Dallas if the opportunity presented itself. As Hill tweets, the Cowboys called Butler after a Week 1 loss to the Panthers, so his addition was in the works for awhile. Butler, who had spent his entire career in Dallas before signing with the Cardinals this spring, signed a two-year deal, per Calvin Watkins of The Athletic (Twitter link). He’ll earn the veteran minimum of $790K in 2018.
Before signing with the Vikings earlier this week, defensive tackle Tom Johnson drew interest from the Bills and Browns, according to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. Johnson, whose release from the Seahawks precipitated his free agency, was in fact close to signing with Buffalo before Vikings defensive line coach Andre Patterson — who led Johnson in Minnesota from 2014-17 — reached out. Seattle also expressed interest in re-signing Johnson, but his number of suitors allowed to him to a land a one-year, $1MM deal from the Vikings, one that includes $500K in incentives.

Extra Points: Giants, Manning, Dolphins, Sitton, Seahawks, Kendricks, Cowboys, Bryant

September 14th, 2018 at 8:13pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

One of the most talked about storylines of the 2018 NFL offseason was what the Giants would do with the second overall pick. Many thought they would take a quarterback to succeed Eli Manning in New York, but the team opted for running back Saquon Barkley instead. Tyler Dunne of Bleacher Report is out with a new feature on Manning and the Giants where he writes about Manning’s determination to prove the Giants didn’t make a mistake.

While he writes “the decision to stick with Manning could go down as one of the worst blunders in NFL history” due to the high-level quarterbacks, like Sam Darnold, available at number two in this year’s draft, Manning still believes he’s got a lot left in the tank. Manning said he’s entirely focused on proving to the Giants that “they did make the right decision” and that he has one last title run left in him. The full piece is full of juicy tidbits and well worth a read to get a look inside the 2018 Giants and the last few tumultuous years for one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent memory.

Here’s more from around the league:

The Dolphins lost starting guard Josh Sitton for the season earlier this week, but despite the huge blow to their offensive line, the team won’t be looking for outside help to replace him according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald (Twitter link). The Dolphins also expect Sitton to be back with the team in 2019, Jackson notes.
The Seahawks signed legally troubled linebacker Mychal Kendricks in part because they were upset with the play of rookie Shaquem Griffin according to Bob Condotta of The Athletic. Condotta notes that coach Pete Carroll specifically called out Griffin following the team’s loss to the Broncos, and that the front office immediately began looking for linebacking help.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and free agent receiver Dez Bryant were recently spotted at a concert together, sparking rumors of a potential reunion between the two sides. Stephen Jones, the team’s Executive Vice President, threw cold water on the speculation, saying “we feel really good about our receiving corps moving forward” and indicating they wouldn’t be looking for outside help according to Jon Machota of Dallas News. While he mostly denied it, it’s worth noting he didn’t 100% rule out the team bringing Dez back in.

Redskins Not Interested In Dez Bryant?

September 10th, 2018 at 3:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

Twenty-eight NFL teams are now heading into Week 2. Dez Bryant remains unemployed. However, the wide receiver’s made sure to keep social media followers informed on his thoughts about potential fits this offseason and continued to do so Sunday.

One of the teams Bryant name-dropped, however, doesn’t appear to have him on its radar. The Redskins are not interested in bringing in Bryant, despite having multiple depth receivers suffer recent injuries, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington tweets.

This is not the first time Washington’s surfaced as a confirmed non-Bryant suitor, but that hasn’t changed since the offseason. Washington’s dealing with injuries to backups Trey Quinn, Cam Sims and Maurice Harris, per Finlay, who instead foresees a possible reunion with Brian Quick rather than anything transpiring on the Bryant front.

Quinn, a rookie seventh-rounder, and Sims each suffered high ankle sprains during the Redskins’ win over the Cardinals and are out for the foreseeable future. A concussion left Harris inactive Sunday. These three comprise the Redskins’ backup contingent behind Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson. So, Washington will certainly have to make a move at receiver this week.

Bryant expressed interest in joining an NFC East team in order to exact revenge on the Cowboys, whose post-Bryant receiving passing game did not debut well on Sunday, but he’s also turned down two contracts — from the Ravens and Browns. The 29-year-old pass-catcher continues to wait, while at the same time expressing interest in certain situations.

Dez Bryant Interested In Joining Patriots, Redskins

September 9th, 2018 at 6:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Dez Bryant has now rejected a pair of contracts, and he’s indicated that he’s willing to wait until he receives the right offer. While it’s uncertain if that offer will ever materialize, the wideout hinted this evening that he has at least two teams on his radar.

When asked on Twitter if he’d be willing to sign back with the Cowboys, Bryant said he could instead envision a role with the Patriots or Redskins.

“Naw I’m ok,” Bryant said. “I rather go somewhere I can show case my skills for real.. if I line up next to Gronk hogan Edelman I’m for sure getting a 1 on 1 match up plus I won’t be getting criticized controlled for expressing my love for the game..Washington is cool as well.”

Later, the wideout made it clear that he wasn’t “making a pitch.” However, the tweets could be somewhat telling. We’re still not entirely sure exactly what Dez is seeking from his next destination, as he’s already turned down long-term security (via Baltimore) and a clear path to playing time (via Cleveland).

We could assume that the star receiver is looking for a proper “fit” when it comes to joining his next team. While it’s uncertain is either the Patriots or Redskins would come knocking, we at least know a contract could actually materialize should they show interest in the 29-year-old.

The Patriots depth at wide receiver is clearly lacking, although they managed to get a win today thanks to tight end Rob Gronkowski, receiver Phillip Dorsett, and running back James White. With Chris Hogan in the picture and Julian Edelman set to return, it’s uncertain if New England would be willing to take a flyer on Bryant. If they were to have interest, the team presumably would have already had him for a workout during the offseason or preseason.

The Redskins offense also looked plenty competent on Sunday. While top receiver Josh Doctson didn’t play much of a role, the team still got plenty of production out of running back Chris Thompson and tight end Jordan Reed.

Browns Still Considering Signing Dez Bryant

September 6th, 2018 at 10:52am CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Dez Bryant left his visit to Cleveland a couple weeks back without a contract, but the two sides could still hammer something out eventually a source told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Cabot writes that the two sides could begin talking again after Week 1 due to the vested veterans guarantee date that’s part of the CBA. Under the rules, any veteran on a roster at the start of Week 1 has his contract guaranteed for the entire season. After Week 1, only 25% of the players contract is guaranteed if he were to be released.

It makes sense the Browns would be concerned about this due to it being a somewhat risky signing that is far from a guarantee to work out. If Bryant arrived in Cleveland and immediately began clashing in the locker room, they very well might have to end up cutting him.

Browns GM John Dorsey told Cleveland.com “it’s a week-to-week thing. Who’s to say I won’t call Dez on Tuesday and see how it’s going.” It was reported earlier that the Browns had offered Bryant a little bit under $5MM in salary for 2018, far less than Bryant was seeking. It’s possible the Browns will be willing to increase their offer once they no longer have to pay 100% of it if things don’t go smoothly. One way or another, we should no more very soon as the start of the regular season is just days away.

Dez Bryant Willing To Wait For Deal

August 28th, 2018 at 2:08pm CST by Zachary Links

With Week 1 just around the corner, Dez Bryant has seemingly made peace with knowing that he will not be on the field for the start of the season. The free agent wide receiver indicates that he’ll remain patient until he receives the right offer.

“I just have to take care of me first,” Bryant said on Twitter. “I will play ball this year just might be a lil bit later in the year.. we will see.”

Bryant has rejected at least two deals this offseason that would have had him in uniform for the start of the season. The Ravens pitched him on a three-year deal worth approximately $21MM, but Bryant turned them down because he wanted a one-year deal instead. The Browns offered him a one-year deal in August, but it was for less than $5MM and, apparently, not to his liking.

A potential landing spot opened up this week when the Jaguars lost Marqise Lee for the season, but they’re content with their current group of receivers. Many of you are in agreement with the Jags’ stance as Monday night’s poll on the subject is roughly split down the middle.

Right now, there’s no team in the NFL that is willing to meet Bryant’s asking price – whatever that may be. But, instead of settling for less, the former Cowboys star is willing to wait, even if it means missing out on part of the 2018 season.

POLL: Should The Jaguars Sign Dez Bryant?

August 27th, 2018 at 7:52pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Marqise Lee is officially lost for the season. The Jaguars’ number one receiver was placed on injured reserve due to a serious knee injury suffered during Jacksonville’s most recent preseason game.

The group of receivers on the depth chart behind Lee are all mostly young and inexperienced, and Lee’s injury sparked immediate rumors that the team might be interested in Dez Bryant. Although former ESPN reporter Ed Werder heard that the Jaguars were comfortable with their group of young receivers, nothing can be ruled out.

A team that is looking to make it back to the AFC Championship game could certainly use a veteran presence in the receivers room, and Bryant is by far the biggest name left on the market. He recently left his visit with the Browns without signing a deal, and could be more interested in playing for a contender.

The Jaguars’ locker room is already full of big personalities, so Bryant might feel right at home. Should Jacksonville take the plunge and finally be the ones to bring in Bryant? Weigh in by voting in our poll and in the comments section and let us know.

Jaguars Will Not Pursue Dez Bryant

August 27th, 2018 at 2:25pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars will be without Marqise Lee for the season, but they won’t be replacing him with Dez Bryant. The Jaguars feel comfortable with their current group of receivers and do not plan to pursue outside help, former ESPN reporter Ed Werder hears (on Twitter).

Many were quick to connect the dots between the Jaguars and the best remaining free agent wide receiver, but the Jaguars seem content to draw from a group that includes by Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole, second-round pick D.J. Clark, and Donte Moncrief. None of those players offer Bryant’s name value, but Tom Coughlin & Co. believe in their talent.

Bryant recently flirted with the Browns, but he rejected their offer of less than $5MM for the upcoming season. Another wide receiver injury elsewhere could open up an opportunity for the former Cowboys standout, but there are no clear suitors for him as the season draws near.

AFC Notes: Broncos, Bridgewater, Patriots, Dolphins

August 26th, 2018 at 9:51pm CST by Ben Levine

Here are some assorted notes from around the AFC as we wrap up the weekend…

The Broncos will have two major roster questions to answer prior to Saturday’s roster cut-down deadline, opines Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. First, the team has to figure out what to do with injured safety Su’a Cravens. The defensive back hasn’t practice since early August due to knee soreness, and he hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since late 2016. O’Halloran wonders if the team will have the roster space or patience to stash Cravens again. Meanwhile, the team will also have to decide on quarterback Paxton Lynch, who was recently demoted for Chad Kelly. The writer wonders whether the Broncos would rather keep the former first-rounder, replace him with a veteran backup, or roll with two quarterbacks for the start of the season.
Unless they receive an offer they can’t refuse, ESPN’s Rich Cimini believes the Jets should hold on to quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The team should be focused on maintaining their depth, and the writer believes the signal-caller has more value to the team as a backup than a trade chip. If the Jets accept an offer that doesn’t include a third-rounder or better, Cimini believes it’d be a mistake. The writer also looks at several former Jets draft picks who are on the roster bubble, including linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin, wide receivers Charone Peake and Chad Hansen, and cornerback Juston Burris.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss can’t envision the Patriots adding wideout Dez Bryant. While the team could certainly use some reinforcement at the position (especially following Eric Decker‘s decision to retire), the writer question whether Bryant would be able to fit into the culture or system. If the team did want to add another wideout to their roster, Reiss believes that free agent (and former Patriot) Brandon LaFell would be a more logical target. Even in that case, the writer can’t see the team making a move unless there’s an injury at the position.
While the pairing of David Fales and Brock Osweiler may be relatively underwhelming, Dolphins coach Adam Gase isn’t expecting to add another backup quarterback behind Ryan Tannehill. While the coach would like to see some improvement from his co-second-stringers, he’s not concerned about their lackluster preseasons. “I think there’s room for improvement for sure,” Gase said (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com), “but it’s hard to put it all on them when you get the ball and you’re not expecting it or we’re not blocking the guys. That’s why it’s hard to evaluate quarterbacks sometimes in preseason games and you have to use all your practice time and what you know about guys’ history, and that’s what makes it tough to evaluate them sometimes.”