According to new reports this afternoon, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones will meet with star receiver Dez Bryant this Friday. This conversation could decide Bryant’s future with the Cowboys.
The divide between the Dallas front office and Dez has been the main topic of the 2018 offseason. There’s no question that Bryant hasn’t been producing like a franchise receiver, but is still being paid as one.
At this point in the offseason, the Cowboys don’t necessarily need the $8.5 million in salary cap space that releasing Bryant would create. They can find less painful ways to sign any of the remaining free agents and their upcoming rookies class.
However, the issues with Dez may go beyond just finances. His lack of chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott is evident on the field. The coaches may feel Bryant’s demand for targets isn’t in the best interest of their QB or offense going forward.
It makes sense for a decision to be made before the draft. The Cowboys should have options with the 19th pick at WR to find a replacement.
If Bryant is released, it would also give Dallas the cap room to perhaps pursue a trade for safety Earl Thomas.
Granted, the end result here could simply be Dez taking a modest pay cut. He may even call the team’s bluff and keep his job, salary unchanged, for one more season.
But if Dallas was really ready to do nothing, they probably wouldn’t even bother with this meeting. Not the late into the offseason, at least.
Whatever happens, Friday could be a very big news day for Cowboys Nation.
