Keeping Dez Bryant Shouldn’t Stop Cowboys From Drafting Calvin Ridley

With NFL Free Agency buzz at full speed this week, Dez Bryant is one of the most intriguing names in the Dallas Cowboys world. We all know the story. We’ve been talking about it since last season. Bryant, who was once among the “Top WR of the league” conversation, doesn’t look like an elite player anymore.

That doesn’t mean he is a bad football player, but the problem is that he’s getting paid big time.

The Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled with cap space for many years now, may want to avoid paying $16.5M to a player who isn’t justifying his paychecks on the field. Big name and all, it certainly doesn’t feel that way.

His lack of production on the field the last three years is concerning, even though he’s played with quarterbacks not named “Tony Romo.” There are other receivers around the league who have played with bad quarterbacks and have still been able to produce.

Even still, it wouldn’t be easy to replace Bryant on the offense just like that. Right now, top free agents are already off the market, so if Dallas wants to replace him, it’d have to be via trade or via the NFL Draft.

ICYMI: A few things to consider as we wait on news about Dez Bryant‘s future with the Dallas Cowboys pic.twitter.com/cCNpXmhARe

— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) March 13, 2018

Right now, it seems that Dez is going to remain a Dallas Cowboy and after seeing the contracts other receivers in the league are about to get, who knows if a pay cut will even enter the equation.

Even if Dez keeps wearing the Star every week next season, wide receiver is still one of the team’s top needs. Despite the fact that Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams and Jason Witten are some very well-known names, the truth is this offense needs a guy who can create separation and be harmful as a deep threat.

This is a draft class with a lot of depth at wide receiver, and the Cowboys could find contributors at the second or later rounds. Even still, if they’re on the clock at 19 and Alabama’s Calvin Ridley is available, the front office should pull the trigger.

Yes, even if Dez is still on the team.

Despite last year’s struggles, we shouldn’t lose faith on the Cowboys’ offense when it has a lot of talent. We believed in this group to take us to the Super Bowl. What they are missing could just be a new, dynamic wide receiver.

Alabama Crimson Tide WR Calvin Ridley (John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

Calvin Ridley is by far the best WR in the Draft this year and will be an impact player anywhere he goes. Despite a poor showing in the Combine, Ridley proves to be worthy of a first round pick on tape. Ideal route-running, great ability to separate and more than enough speed for the NFL.

This would certainly take a lot of pressure off Cole Beasley’s shoulders, who was constantly double-teamed last year. Sure, he’s still good, but if he continues to run into double-coverage, Dak Prescott and company will probably continue to struggle another year.

It’s tough to imagine Calvin Ridley being available at 19, especially with the Baltimore Ravens holding the 16th overall pick. However, some people believe there’s a 50/50 chance he’s available once Dallas is on the clock. If that’s the case, the Cowboys shouldn’t pass on this prospect.

Ridley could very well end up being the most productive receiver for the Cowboys in 2018 becoming an essential “best friend” for Dak Prescott.

We’ve seen how other front offices have made friendly offenses for their young QBs and if Calvin Ridley is what it takes, why even think about it?