Dez Bryant rumors: 5 perfect fits

The Dallas Cowboys made the move that most believed was coming for some time on Friday afternoon, releasing veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant, 29, was due to make $16.5 million in 2018, and the Cowboys saved $8 million with the move.

All told, owner/general manager Jerry Jones made the correct decision. Bryant was being paid as one of the elite wide receivers in the league, even though he has not produced a 1,000-yard season since 2014.

With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, Jones allowed the Cowboys to free up some needed cap space while allowing Bryant to hit the market before more jobs are snatched up by rookies. So where could he end up? Here are five teams that would make a ton of sense.

5. Buffalo Bills

The Bills had the fewest receiving yards in 2017 when combing the numbers of their tight ends and receivers. Incredibly, they did little to upgrade that position in free agency, and so Bryant represents a huge chance to right that wrote. However, Buffalo might have to pay handsomely, considering it’s not exactly an attractive destination geographically, and the quarterback situation is in flux.

4. Green Bay Packers

The Packers have historically not been very involved in free agency, but that has changed under new general manager Brian Gutekunst. Green Bay has already acquired Jimmy Graham to help out Aaron Rodgers, and while Jordy Nelson was released, Bryant could be the perfect replacement. Additionally, if you are Bryant, don’t you want a shot at a title while catching passes from Rodgers?

3. Baltimore Ravens

Few teams in the league need receiving help worse than the Ravens. Baltimore did sign Michael Crabtree after the Oakland Raiders let him walk, but there’s still a gaping hole on the other side. Breshad Perriman has never come close to being the answer since being a first-round pick, while both Jeremy Maclin and Mike Wallace were allowed to walk. Bryant would be a huge addition for a team looking to get back into the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

2. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have a great offensive head coach, a terrific young quarterback and beautiful weather to boot. San Francisco also has a legitimate need at wide receiver opposite of speedster Marquise Goodwin, and the cap space is there to make it happen. The 49ers are going to be in contention for the postseason this year, and adding Bryant would really help the cause.

1. Houston Texans

Houston plans on being a contender to take the AFC crown from the New England Patriots. Right now, the weapons for Deshaun Watson are solid but could use an upgrade. DeAndre Hopkins is a superstar, and Will Fuller V is one of the best deep threats going. However, the team is without a third option on the outside, a problem in today’s NFL. For Bryant, the move would be across the state and to a team with a better future.