It’s been over a month since the Cowboys released Dez Bryant after eight seasons, and the team’s executive vice president, Stephen Jones, remains perplexed at to why no one has signed the veteran receiver.
“I am sure Dez is being thoughtful,” Jones said Tuesday, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I don’t know the details as to why he hasn’t picked a home. I am sure he is being very thoughtful about it. I am sure he has good people talking to him too.”
Bryant, 29, passed on a multi-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, instead yearning for a prove-it, one-year contract. Both the Packers and Giants have said no thank you and the window of opportunity appears to be closing, especially if his heart is still set on joining a possible contender in the NFC East.
After posting a video to Instagram on Sunday, a follower pressed Bryant about which team he wished to join. The Pro Bowler later replied, “49ers.” The interest doesn’t appear to be mutual, as NFL Network contributor Tom Pelissero alleged Niners general manager John Lynch isn’t seeking Bryant’s services.
“John Lynch, the 49ers G.M., did a lot of Dez Bryant’s games at his peak when Lynch was a broadcaster,” Pelissero said Tuesday, via 247 Sports. “There’s respect there, but my understanding is the 49ers love their receiving group as it is … Unlikely they’re going down the Dez Bryant road anytime soon.”
Bryant can also scratch the Seahawks off the list, as former Giants receiver Brandon Marshall inked a one-year deal with the Seahawks earlier this week.
As for his former employer, the Cowboys remain Bryant’s biggest fans even though they released him and shut the door on a reunion.
“You know at the [NFL owners] meetings I have had different conversations about him,” Jones said. “At the Competition Committee meeting, some of the coaches there speak to it. I’m sure other coaches have called our coaches and wanted input on him. The greatest thing about Dez is he is a fierce competitor. I think he is now more driven and more competitive than he has ever been. We wish him nothing but the best.”