Washington Redskins: The case for and against Dez Bryant

Matt’s case for Dez Bryant

There is no denying Dez Bryant has been one of the NFL’s better receivers throughout his eight-year career. Amassing Pro Bowl selections in 2013, 2014, and 2016, paired with a 2014 first-team All-Pro selection, Bryant has haunted the Washington Redskins, as well as many other clubs. 2015 was a down year for Dez, but the team did lose starting quarterback Tony Romo to injury, leaving all hope in Kellen Moore’s hands. So he gets a pass from me there.

While 2017 was another down year for Bryant as he worked with Dak Prescott, who experienced a sophomore slump, Dez’s 69 catches for 838 yards and six touchdowns would have led the Washington Redskins in all three categories.

With the addition of superstar running back Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott replacing Tony Romo, Dez seemed to be left on the outside looking in. While Bryant experienced success throughout Prescott’s rookie year in 2016, the two never clicked on the same level he clicked with Tony Romo. The team has continued to move towards a run-based offense, furthering rendering Dez Bryant a thing of the past.

On the Washington Redskins side of things, there is a need at wide receiver, especially in the red zone. Josh Doctson was drafted to be the guy to convert in the red zone with his impressive athleticism and vertical ability. Unfortunately, Doctson has been a non-factor throughout his career. Going into year three, the pressure will be on. Free agent addition Paul Richardson is a great piece for the offense and is more than just a speed guy, but counting on him as a consistent red zone threat would be a bold move. That leaves Jamison Crowder, who at times has been the Redskins best offensive weapon. However, inconsistency has been a problem. Crowder’s red zone potential is also somewhat limited by his size

Dez Bryant is 29 years old and is looking to prove the Cowboys made a mistake letting him go. The report referenced earlier shows he wants to stay in the NFC East. The Eagles have roughly $1.8 million in cap space so that pretty much takes them out of the equation. The Giants are reportedly Dez’s first choice, but they already have Odell Beckam Jr., Brandon Marshall, and Sterling Shepard on the roster. With a large payday coming for Beckham, paired with the questionable behavioral patterns of their collective receivers, I can’t see any way the Giants entertain signing Bryant.

That leaves the Washington Redskins, who have the need, the money, and a quarterback that can get Dez the ball. Many believe Bryant will be looking for $10 million plus per year, but it’s unlikely that kind of market develops for his services. He will already make $8 million from the Cowboys in 2018 so he may very well end up having to settle for a deal closer to $6-8 million per season. That’s a price the Washington Redskins can afford.

I assume Dez will only sign a one-year deal worth $6-8 million, paired with a few good performance incentives. If that’s the price, I’m all for it. The Washington Redskins seem to make moves that allow them to float around .500. This would be an aggressive move that means they want to win now. Bruce Allen needs to win now.

The last time the Redskins signed a former division rival at receiver, it worked out pretty well. And don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy wearing a DeSean Jackson jersey in front of your Eagles fan friends.