Dez Bryant: Ranking The Most Likely NFC East Landing Spot

Dez Bryant is the latest big name to shake up the 2018 NFL off-season when the Dallas Cowboys made the momentous decision to cut him.

The 29-year old had not looked like the All-Pro star he was back in 2014 when he certainly “caught it.” His production was getting worse and his explosiveness diminishing as well. He isn’t cut out to be the #1 guy in an offense anymore. That said it doesn’t mean he can’t still be a dangerous factor. For veterans like him, it’s all about finding and putting him in the best situations where his remaining physical gifts are still of good use. See the Arizona Cardinals and Larry Fitzgerald.

One would think Dez has a laundry list of options open to him, yet word persists following his release that his biggest interest is remaining in the NFC East. No doubt being the emotionally driven man he is, revenge on the Cowboys is foremost on his mind. This certainly narrows the field. Three teams are open to him, but which feels like the best landing spot for him? Considering all the factors in play, here’s a quick ranking and why.

#3:  Philadelphia Eagles

A few factors get in the way of this happening. The Eagles are in the best situation financially to get in on the Bryant discussion. They have less than $2 million in salary cap space based on recent estimates and it’s only going to get worse in 2019. They’d have to do a considerable amount of contract maneuvering to fit him on the roster. Why would they do that when they don’t need him? They already have Alshon Jeffery in place. Another expensive, big body receiver would be pointless. Though they do now employ his wide receivers coach from college, so there’s that.

#2:  Washington Redskins

The Redskins are never shy about shelling out lots of money for big names. They have a new quarterback now in Alex Smith and no doubt are anxious to make him an instant success. That could prove difficult with the current layout of their receiving corps. They don’t have a proven big body and that’s the role Bryant was made for. Smith is used to dealing with his types as well, having spent several years with the fiery Travis Kelce in Kansas City.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: The Browns Do What They Do Best

#1:  New York Giants

Everything lines up to make it look like the Giants are by far the team to beat. They have a quarterback Bryant is familiar with in Eli Manning. They, like Washington, need a bigger receiver to compliment Sterling Shepard and the returning Odell Beckham Jr. Their new receivers coach, Tyke Tolbert, is no stranger to dealing with personalities like him. The big question comes down to what the GM Dave Gettleman wants to do. He still has Brandon Marshall to think about and that could complicate matters. Yet there’s no denying what a Beckham-Bryant combination could do for Manning.