NFL Free Agency: Could the Ravens be waiting for Dez Bryant?
By Joe Schiller
It’s still very possible that the Baltimore Ravens could add another wide receiver in NFL free agency. Could that player be Dez Bryant?
The Baltimore Ravens were one of the affected parties in the Chicago Bears’ decision to decline Cameron Meredith‘s offer sheet. Meredith, a player who the Ravens made a bid to sign, joins the Saints on a two-year, $9.6 million deal.
The signing has implications for the Ravens, who’ve also hosted former Saints wide receiver Willie Snead for two visits. Meredith’s addition in New Orleans could provide a greater indication that the Saints would be willing to let Snead walk as a restricted free agent if the Ravens made an offer.
Ozzie Newsome hasn’t limited his options beyond Snead. The Ravens also hosted veteran receiver Eric Decker for a visit last week. Newsome noted that the team isn’t opposed to adding another free agent pass-catcher before the draft but like Michael Crabtree, could he be waiting for yet another potential cap casualty?
I’m talking about Dez Bryant.
Signing cap casualty wide receivers have been Newsome’s forte over the years. Steve Smith Sr. and Jeremy Maclin are the latest examples and while it’s provided mixed results in terms of production, it’s a direction the Ravens aren’t shy to take. Bryant certainly fits that mantra.
Rumors of Bryant’s release have been swirling this offseason. The 29-year old wide receiver is on the penultimate year of his current five-year, $70 million deal but the production has been scarce. After three 1,000+ yard seasons from 2012-2014, Bryant has yet to hit that total since. He’s reportedly refused to take a pay cut this offseason and will sit down with Jerry Jones tomorrow to discuss his future with the Cowboys.
If Bryant is indeed released, this could be a move Ozzie Newsome tries to pursue.
Even at his worst, Bryant is still the best in Baltimore
Even with a disappointing 2017 season, Bryant still posted 838 receiving yards and six touchdowns. That would have ranked first among receivers in Baltimore last season. Bryant’s production hasn’t matched his current contract but that’s not something the Ravens would have to take on if he’s cut.
Money does pose an issue if the Ravens tried to sign Bryant. He would warrant a strong payday as a free agent but if Ozzie and the front office wanted to make it work, they’d figure out a way. Per Brian McFarland of Russell Street Report, the Ravens currently have give-or-take $10 million in cap space. It would take some restructuring along with possible cuts but that’s room to wiggle with.
Bryant brings many of the same characteristics to the table as Michael Crabtree. He’s a big-bodied target that holds a size advantage over the majority of opposing secondary players. It’s another red zone threat and pairing him with Crabtree would be something to droll over inside of the 20-yard line.
The Ravens waited until mid-June before striking a two-year deal with Jeremy Maclin last offseason. If Bryant is in-fact released Newsome and company would silly not to consider signing a wide receiver of that caliber.
After all, patience is a virtue.