Dez Bryant wearing the number 88 for the Cleveland Browns. How does that sound? Wishful thinking, well maybe not.
With the #Browns having a need at WR, it brings up another topic: What does the future hold for FA WR Dez Bryant? pic.twitter.com/XIPXeDeGM8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2018
The former Dallas Cowboys’ wide receiver has been talked about inside the halls of the Browns training facility in Berea.
Dorsey says #Browns have discussed Dez Bryant.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) July 25, 2018
“I have had a chance to be around Dez,” Browns general manager John Dorsey said during a training camp preview press conference Wednesday afternoon. “Had a chance – when he was down in Lufkin, Texas – I was actually at his workout and had a chance to meet him. I know the kind of person that he is and what makes him. He is a very talented player. Have we had discussions about Dez Bryant? Yeah. That is natural. You can have discussions like that. Now, we will see what comes to fruition the next couple of days, but we’v talk about it. You have to talk about these things. I have talked about a lot of things. There have been a whole list of players that we have talked about as a staff.”
Why Dez Bryant has been a topic of discussion for the #Browns front office…👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/AQE1Szh5Kb
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) July 25, 2018
The need to look at veteran wide receivers on the eve of training camp came about when Josh Gordon announced he will miss the start of camp. The Browns traded for Jarvis Landry this off season to add more veteran help at wide receiver. With no timetable for Gordon’s return, another veteran wide receiver would help the Browns offense start the quest toward respectability again. Bryant could just be that guy.
“I look at Dez as a very competitive, passionate person.,” Dorsey said “That is how I look at Dez Bryant.”
If the Browns pass on Bryant, another option is former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Eli Rogers. With Todd Haley as the new Browns offensive coordinator, Rogers would have an edge with the offense Cleveland will use this season.
Scott Piker is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Browns.