:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59423251/usa_today_10408842.0.jpg)
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills have shown interest in signing free agent wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys for financial and personality reasons. While the Bills have shown interest, Rapoport does not think that will lead to a signing,
“The Bills were certainly interested from the the jump,’ says Rapoport. “Just does not seem like that’s going to happen.”
The Bills are obviously not the only team interested in signing the talented receiver or necessarily the leader. Rapoport is reporting that the Baltimore Ravens have shown the most interest. He also adds the New Orleans Saints as a potential landing spot.
There are a few reasons for both sides to walk away from any potential deal.
Bryant is likely looking for a short-term deal in a place where he can prove his worth and cash in next off-season. The Bills’ offense, namely their question mark at quarterback, does not seem like an ideal situation for a receiver who wants to have a big year. Bryant is also turning 30 this November and has eight NFL seasons under his belt. He may be looking for playoff wins and championship potential, which the Bills cannot offer. (Or can they?)
On the other side of the table, the Bills may back down from signing Bryant for two reasons. The main reason being discussed is Bryant’s personality. He has clashed with coaches and teammmates many times publicly. That just doesn’t sound like a Sean McDermott guy. Another reason the franchise could decline to sign Bryant is the short-term deal he is likely seeking. With at least one, and likely two new quarterbacks coming in this off-season, the Bills are building for the future. With that plan in mind it does not make sense to pursue a short-term rental type of player.
Dez Bryant would be a welcome addition to a receiving corps severely lacking talent. If McDermott and his locker room leaders believe they can deal with his personality and Bryant wants to come to Buffalo then a deal between the two makes sense. Those are two huge ifs, which likely means seeing Bryant “throw up the X” at New Era Field is just a pipe dream.