Sep 05, 12:20 am UTC
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Grade PickDAL @ PHI -7
New Favorite Emerges To Sign Dez Bryant
The Cleveland Browns have become the front-runners to acquire the free agent wide receiver. Here's a peek and analysis of the contenders after updated SportsLine odds.
Training camps have kicked off for many squads, but wide receiver Dez Bryant remains homeless. The Dallas Cowboys released the three-time Pro Bowler in April, and surprisingly no team has signed him yet. But the Cleveland Browns, who are in need of an upgrade at wideout, are said to be kicking the tires on the 29-year-old star. Here are SportsLine's updated odds as to the most likely contenders for Bryant.
Which team will Dez Bryant be suiting up for in 2018?
Cleveland Browns -- 6/1
Houston Texans -- 8/1
New Orleans Saints -- 8/1
New Orleans Patriots -- 10/1
San Francisco 49ers -- 10/1
Atlanta Falcons -- 12/1
Tennessee Titans -- 12/1
Green Bay Packers -- 12/1
The Field -- 4/1
No Team -- 5/1
The Browns improved dramatically at receiver in the offseason by landing Jarvis Landry. The former Miami Dolphin hauled in 112 receptions in 2017 and should repeat that feat with either Baker Mayfield or Tyrod Tyler under center. SportsLine data analyst Stephen Oh projects Bryant would provide a minimal improvement to Cleveland's playoff possibilities -- inching up from 3.7 percent without him to 4.5 percent. After Josh Gordon's bombshell announcement that he would be missing training camp, the Browns are in the market for another quality receiver. Although Cleveland has the cap space, I'm not so sure Bryant meshes with the clean-start approach the Browns' front office is espousing. Still, adding Bryant would undoubtedly stoke the rabid Dawg Pound fanatics. I'd prefer if this was getting 10/1, just not enough value here.
Bryant, a Stillwater standout during his Oklahoma State heyday, could end up staying close to his OSU/Cowboys roots by joining the Texans. But he's reportedly only interested in signing with a title contender -- which does not describe the Texans version of 2017 that finished 4-12. Still, the promise of lining up opposite DeAndre Hopkins and hauling in passes from Deshaun Watson could be enough to entice him to stay in Texas.
After No. 1 wideout Michael Thomas, the current Saints receivers are solid, not stellar. Ted Ginn Jr. and Cameron Meredith are No. 2 and 3 on the depth chart. Cameron racked up nearly 900 yards in 2017 with the Chicago Bears, and 33-year-old Ginn averaged nearly 15 yards per reception last season. Throw in tight end Ben Watson and third-round draft pick Tre'Quan Smith and New Orleans seems pretty set with its current receiving corps.
The Patriots perpetually seem to be tinkering with their wide receivers right up until Week 1 every year, and 2018 should be no exception after Julian Edelman's four-game PED suspension was upheld. Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Malcolm Mitchell and newcomer Jordan Matthews are capable of shouldering the load until Edelman's return, but Bryant would provide New England with the deep threat it's sorely lacking. At 10/1, I like the chances of Bill Belichick making a play for Bryant.
While the 49ers are a team on the rise, they're trapped in a loaded NFC West which severely diminish their postseason probability. Bryant represents a step up from any of the top three current receivers in Marquise Goodwin, Aldrick Robinson and soon-to-be 32-year-old Pierre Garcon. San Francisco will be hard-pressed to win eight games in 2018, let alone vie for a wild card. No way Dez will head west.
As the Julio Jones holdout unfolds, in which the star receiver is threatening to stay home during training camp, the desperate Falcons could turn to Bryant if they call Jones' bluff. Atlanta is enthused over Calvin Ridley's potential, but Mohamed Sanu is currently the Falcons' No. 2 wideout with no Jones. Plenty of value here at 12/1. Jump on this before the Julio drama seeps into August.
The Titans and Packers both need sparks at receiver but there's doubt as to whether Tennessee can replicate its surprising 2017 playoff run. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers ready to resume his Pro Bowl career, there is concern that Bryant, who has rarely played in chilly environs, would acclimate to outdoor December weather.
One other team to keep an eye on is the Carolina Panthers, who are likely to vie for the NFC South crown and need improvement at the wideout position, which currently comprises Devin Funchess and Torrey Smith.
Storm Gifford
