Is a Dez Bryant Cowboys Split Coming?

Marcus Hemingway
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

Dez Bryant said “nobody reps the star more than me” in an interview with David Moore of Dallas Morning News. Although this may be a true statement does the Dallas Cowboys organization feel the same way? Do the Cowboys feel they have received a proper return on investment since signing Dez to a 5 year 70-million-dollar contract in 2015? The Cowboys Organization has been trying to change their culture in the last three years and have had to make tough decisions. This leads me to believe that a possible split between the Cowboys and star receiver Dez Bryant is inevitable.

Since signing the contract in the summer of 2015 Dez hasn’t come close to playing the way he did in 2011–2014. Riddled by injuries and inconsistent QB play Bryant finished the 2015 season with only 401 yards receiving. The 2016 season was very successful for the franchise going 13–3 and clinching home field throughout the playoffs. However, Dez Bryant again had to miss games due to injury. A hairline knee fracture held Bryant out as the young Cowboys team thrived without him. He finished the season with 796 yards receiving and team high eight touchdowns.

The Dallas Cowboys was able to survive without Dez Bryant for a stretch of time in the 2016 season so why not entertain trade offers for Bryant. The defense could use some edge rushers and more interior pieces to get more pressure on the opposing teams Quarterback. Terrence Williams has not shown the ability to be a number 1 receiver and Cole Beasley is content/best served in the slot. A Dez trade for an elite pass rusher would be ideal because you get his contract off the books and gives the team much more flexibility to bring in players for future development.

Dez Bryant is just under Jason Witten in being an OG on the offensive side of the ball. Players look up to him but I don’t know if he fits where this team is trying to go. This is going to be similar to the transformation the Seattle Seahawks did with Marshawn Lynch to Russel Wilson. Lynch kept getting injured and the offensive slowly became revolved around Wilson in Lynch’s absence. The Cowboys are content with running the ball the first two downs and giving Dak Prescott manageable third down passes. Dak will eventually need to develop his down the field throwing and this is much easier with Dez Bryant in the rotation but easy isn’t always best for a young player’s development. This is unlikely but if the season is in shambles early and Dez starts pouting I could see them moving him for younger players. Remember this is a “what have you done for me lately?” league and Dez Bryant has been mediocre.

This is originally published by Marcus Hemingway @ JanusViews.com

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