The Chicago Bears wide receiver problem is a well-discussed topic at this point. They can’t expect Mitch Trubisky to become the quarterback they envision while throwing to Kendall Wright, Dontrelle Inman and Josh Bellamy. He badly needs better weapons. That leads to what’s coming in the 2018 off-season. At first glance it looks like a strong year for getting a receiver.
It’s especially true for the free agent market. Names like Jarvis Landry and Allen Robinson could headline a fairly deep group of talents. If the Bears are willing to spend, they could end up with some serious upgrades. At the same time this isn’t taking into account another key factor: roster cuts. Every year there’s always one or two notable names who are released for one reason or another.
A name that may have worn out his welcome with one team but just might bring value to another. One such case is fixing to happen down in Dallas. If so it could create quite the dilemma for Bears GM Ryan Pace in his quest to find Trubisky weapons.
Could Bears wide receiver problem lead to Dez Bryant experiment?
It would seem the Cowboys have grown increasingly frustrated with their three-time Pro Bowl receiver Dez Bryant. After a solid run in 2016, his production value has taken a dip this year. He’s barely caught half the 124 passes thrown his direction with a number of huge drops and just 815 yards to show for it. He also has the embarrassment of not having a 100-yard performance in 21-straight games.
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Not exactly the execution of a guy who fancies himself a #1 wide receiver. Now there’s buzz that the Cowboys may look to cut their losses in 2018.
The Dallas Cowboys can save $25 million over the next two years by releasing Dez Bryant.
It's time to move on:https://t.co/Gn2CRNxxtF pic.twitter.com/vGnLFCKLTr
— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 25, 2017
It wouldn’t be a complete shock. Bryant will turn 30-years old next year and command $16.5 million against the salary cap. With key players like Demarcus Lawrence and David Irving needing new contracts, the Cowboys may look to sacrifice Bryant in order to ensure they have the space to secure both. It’s not like teammates are scrambling to make sure the receiver is well-loved in the locker room.
Even quarterback Dak Prescott seems frustrated with his recent struggles.
Dak Prescott on his INT that went through hands of Dez Bryant: “I think I have to throw him a better ball. Just put it right there on his face mask and don’t give him a chance to drop it, I guess.”
— David Moore (@DavidMooreDMN) December 25, 2017
Would he be worth the risk for Chicago?
As stated earlier Bryant is approaching the tail end of his prime. He’s also known for being a bit of a handful in the locker room. At the same time one thing is clear. He would unquestionably be the top receiver on the Bears roster as it currently is. Would they be willing to brave the personality in order to possibly squeeze another couple good year out of him? Much of that may depend on who the next head coach is.
John Fox almost certainly would not have considered it. He’s always been a coach who avoids such personalities in his locker room. At the same time the potential benefit of pairing Bryant with Trubisky is so difficult to ignore. So much will be left to answer, but it must start with Dallas making their decision on whether to cut him.
At the same time, it appears that Bryant is at least keeping tabs on the Bears’ young QB. Take that for what it’s worth.
