Cowboys have officially parted ways with Dez Bryant

[Forza_Azzurri]

Why do Hilton and Jeffery get passes but Bryant doesnt - when they are all similar in age and had similar production in 2017?

Because Dez's production concerns run back across 3 seasons. Not so with the others (or with DT). I mentioned earlier that I'd like this thread not to turn into another "who's to blame" thread. Once Dez finally signs, I'm interested to see the reactions here and then ultimately the results after the 2018 season.

That’s an over simplification ... 2015 Romo missed 12 (really 14) games with broken collarbones & Dallas had no quality backup. Plus Dez missed 7 games.

In 2016, Dez missed 3 games & struggled with high ankle sprain, but was on a WR1 trajectory.

2017 is the only year where I would say it’s a clear cut (non-injury) dip in production ... plus, regardless of who is to blame, it’s clear Dez & Dak just have never had chemistry.

So I don’t think it’s a slam dunk that Dez is a slam dunk WR1, but I also don’t think he’s washed up.

[ericanadian]

While I wouldn't be excited, I'd be alright with Dez in Baltimore. I'm somewhat convinced that a major part of the issue is Dak's lack of velocity on his throws combined with Dez's lack of separation. I think Flacco would solve the issue of velocity (though his own questionable accuracy may offset that.) Combine that with the fact that Crabtree would demand more coverage than anything Dallas is throwing out there, and I don't think it's a terrible situation. Better than Buffalo.

[Pullo Vision]

Interesting tidbits about Dez- http://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_ ... and-future

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas ... dez-bryant

Money was the spark, but the decision on Bryant quickly evolved into where he stands as a player, how he approaches his job and what's important to him. Could the receiver's temperament allow him to handle a pay cut, or would his hurt and resentment seep into the locker room and impact his interactions with coaches and teammates?

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas ... -nfl-draft

[gopackgo]

Well looks like he won't be going to GB...

Bryant was asked about several other teams as well. The three-time Pro Bowler said it "wouldn't seem right" to join forces with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, noting that there is "too much history." - ESPN

[thebeast]

Well looks like he won't be going to GB...

Bryant was asked about several other teams as well. The three-time Pro Bowler said it "wouldn't seem right" to join forces with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, noting that there is "too much history." - ESPN

That is of course unless they're the team willing to pay him the most.

[Phaded]

Yet he loves the idea of going to the Giants apparently..
No history there.

[WhatWouldDitkaDo]

Yet he loves the idea of going to the Giants apparently..
No history there.

Spite is a powerful driver. We wouldn't have Lamborghinis if the owner of Ferrari didn't make fun of a tractor builder.

[Cowboysfan33]

Interesting tidbits about Dez- http://www.espn.com/blog/nfceast/post/_ ... and-future

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas ... dez-bryant

Money was the spark, but the decision on Bryant quickly evolved into where he stands as a player, how he approaches his job and what's important to him. Could the receiver's temperament allow him to handle a pay cut, or would his hurt and resentment seep into the locker room and impact his interactions with coaches and teammates?

https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas ... -nfl-draft

The more I read and think about it, I think they made the right decision, maybe not in the short term but let’s face it, this Cowboys team is going to rely on the o-line and Zeke so they are better off with not having so much money tied up at the WR position. Cole Beasley could be a cap casualty next offseason, depending on how the rookie WR(s) come along.

[Jfever]

I agree with you that perhaps in the long run it was a decent decision. I'm not of the mindset that Dak is an elite passer however. I think putting their eggs in the ground game is important. They need help on defense and they need to maintain the integrity of their O-line strength. If Zeke goes down or misses time for any reason, they are in trouble. They just cut one of their best run after the catch / red zone weapons. J. Witten in old, Dak doesn't throw with anticipation and he isn't super accurate. I think the Cowboys just got a bit weaker in the short term and it puts more pressure on them to not miss on their early draft picks. I'm not invested in Dez heavily but part of me hopes he goes to a favorable situation and sticks it to Jerry Jones. I think he is a classic d-bag in some respects.

[Phaded]

With the way the Cowboys are heading - he doesn't need to be an elite passer. If he can revert to his rookie year self where he managed the game and limited turnovers, the team can build around the run game and the defense.

I mean - the Cowboys went 13-3 recently (2016) - and Dez did not exactly play a factor.

Certain team makeups do not "need" that elite WR1 - and the way the Cowboys are built, they do not need that.

[Jfever]

Until they do. Come play off time.

[Tvols]

The cowboys will need that goto guy wr who ever it is.. not on roster for sure.. Back when they were winning championships they had Emmit but also had Troy/Michael.. takes a full rounded team to win it all..

[Phaded]

The Cowboys also had a top 5 defense in points allowed in all 3 years in the 90s they won the Super Bowl.
Yeah - it's easy to look at the offense because they are the shiny and sexy players to look at, but the defense played a huge part.
Like you said - it takes the team, not a highly paid WR.

[Cowboysfan33]

I agree with you that perhaps in the long run it was a decent decision. I'm not of the mindset that Dak is an elite passer however. I think putting their eggs in the ground game is important. They need help on defense and they need to maintain the integrity of their O-line strength. If Zeke goes down or misses time for any reason, they are in trouble. They just cut one of their best run after the catch / red zone weapons. J. Witten in old, Dak doesn't throw with anticipation and he isn't super accurate. I think the Cowboys just got a bit weaker in the short term and it puts more pressure on them to not miss on their early draft picks. I'm not invested in Dez heavily but part of me hopes he goes to a favorable situation and sticks it to Jerry Jones. I think he is a classic d-bag in some respects.

Yeah, definitely hurts the passing game in the short-term, that’s why I thought they would agree to a restructure and then decide next off-season but the only thing that I was thinking after reading that article was that Dez might not be a good locker room guy after taking a pay cut, but who knows. I also agree about Dak, he’s not an elite passer but maybe by not having one guy, who definitely wants the ball and can be so emotional on the sidelines, like Dez, will help in the long run, almost like what the Patriots do, as far spreading the ball around. We’ll see, should be interesting.

[Jfever]

Their running game will be their strength and eventually their down fall. A shut down run defense will smother them and shut them out when it counts. Recipe for a first round exit imo. That is IF Zeke stays healthy. If he misses time, they won't make the playoffs. Also, I think their current Defense needs some help and is no where near a top 3 NFL Defense. I agree that a over paid wr isn't the answer and that a well rounded team is the answer. I don't think they have a well rounded team and it just got less well rounded. The pressure is on the draft.