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Dez Bryant is free; should Raiders care?

Bill Williamson by Bill Williamson
April 13, 2018
in Raiders
4
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In anticipation of this move, my partner Steve Corkran looked at the possibility of Dez Bryant becoming an Oakland Raider earlier this week.

Now, it is possible. The receiver was cut by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday morning. So, now, it’s my time to chime in on the topic of Bryant and the Raiders.

Because we have you covered at RaidersSnakepit.com, I addressed Bryant two months ago when it was first speculated he could be sent packing in Big D. Back then, I wasn’t hot on the idea. My thoughts haven’t changed over time.

While Cork likes the idea, I just don’t see it.

Sure, Bryant would make the 2018 Oakland Raiders better at receiver and they need more help at the position. And the rest of the receiver free-agent class is uninspiring.

But the truth is, other than his name, Bryant isn’t all that hot of an idea, either. Like it not, he is not the same player he was a couple of years ago. Bryant, who is showing early interest in staying in the NFC East so he can stick it to Dallas, is slowing and getting less attention from defenses. Scouts have been wondering about Bryant’s demise since the middle of the 2016 season.

The Raiders already spent big on Jordy Nelson. He is going to be 33. I’m not sure adding Bryant, who is 29 and who probably won’t come cheap, would help the team in the long run. Plus, money is an issue for the Raiders, who added 16 free agents, many of the bargain-bin variety. With a massive deal for Khalil Mack in the works, I’m not sure the budget allows for a Bryant signing.

Considering the payoff might be muted and temporary, the Raiders should exercise caution.

Plus, Oakland jettisoned receiver Michael Crabtree partly because of his attitude. Well, if Crabtree can be an occasional pain in the ass, Bryant has the potential to be a full-body cramp.

We’ve learned new special teams coach Rich Bisaccia has a lot of influence on Gruden. Several former Bisaccia players have come to Oakland this offseason. Bisaccia was last with Dallas. He will tell Gruden what he thinks. Perhaps it will make an influence, either good or bad.

But all of the tea leaves read that the Raiders should take a pass here.

 

Tags: Dez Bryant
Bill Williamson

Bill Williamson

Bill Williamson has been a professional sports journalist for 28 years. He has covered the NFL for 22 straight years. He has been covering the Oakland Raiders for the past nine years, including seven at ESPN.com.

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Comments 4

  1. thankaveteran says:
    3 years ago

    If Gruden believes he can get the production from Dez like he did from Brown or Rice, he will try to bring him in.

    My guess is Dez might want to sign in the division. Giants maybe?

    Reply
  2. Michelle M. says:
    3 years ago

    Radical idea: Release Jordy and sign Dez! Dez is younger!

    Reply
    • Russell Woodmancy says:
      3 years ago

      Jordy has more career catches and yards, higher YPC, and only 4td difference in total stats – Dez was never better than Jordy and I don’t think he is now. Both are risks to me but I don’t think they made a wrong choice, and though I think you jest, given the guaranteed money for Jordy, your suggestion isn’t happening.

      Reply
    • Bill Williamson says:
      3 years ago

      That would, indeed, be radical, Michelle.

      Reply

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