Arizona Cardinals would make news by signing wideout
By Jim Koch
Bringing a dynamic personality like Dez Bryant to the desert would help to stir up some interest in the Arizona Cardinals
It would be fair to wonder how a loud-talking wide receiver would fit in with the Arizona Cardinals. After all, their number-one pass-catcher of the past 14 seasons is about as humble and soft-spoken as they come. Would the organization be willing to bring in a wideout who’s personality is the direct opposite of their future Hall of Famer, Larry Fitzgerald?
The flamboyant Dez Bryant has been released by the Dallas Cowboys. The three-time Pro Bowler is now looking for work, and the Cards could use a pass-catcher. The free agent departures of John and Jaron Brown has left a void at a position that just a couple of years ago was stacked with talent.
On paper, it would look great. The club’s extremely talented running back, David Johnson, is returning from injury. Newly-signed Sam Bradford is one of the league’s finest quarterbacks when healthy.
Bryant’s production has been on the decline, however. The 29-year old has failed to top 1000 yards receiving in each of the past three campaigns. But from 2012-14, Bryant caught 273 passes for 3,935 yards and 41 touchdowns.
Could the former first-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State University revive his career in the desert? Combining Bryant with Fitzgerald is enough to make any passer happy. If Bradford is able to get past his knee troubles, he’d be presented with two big targets who are loaded with experience.
There’s no denying that Bryant has a strong personality. Is there enough leadership in the Arizona locker room to keep the 6’2″, 225 pounder under control? Perhaps playing with a humble, well-respected gentleman like Fitzgerald would keep the firey Bryant in line.
Granted, this isn’t the kind of move that general manager Steve Keim usually makes. It’s a gutsy acquisition, but one that could pay off handsomely. The Cardinals have the salary-cap space to get it done, but what their feelings are for a player like Bryant is unknown at this time.