Browns Favored to Sign Dez, but this Team is Your Best Bet …

• Dez Bryant was released by the Dallas Cowboys in April
• Who are the top contenders to land Dez for the 2018 season?
• Which teams can afford him and where could he be the best fit?

Dez Bryant is still a free agent after being released from the Dallas Cowboys back in April. With the 2018 preseason kicking off this week, it sounds like Dez is close to finding a new home.

At least that’s what the betting odds suggest.

Though it may seem Dez is more focused on tweeting back to those who claim he did anything wrong in Dallas, he has been in communication with several other NFL teams. So where will the former Pro Bowl receiver call home in 2018? We take a look at the top contenders below.

Dez Bryant Free Agency Odds

Dez entered the league in 2010 and by 2012 he was a bona fide star. From 2012-14 he topped at least 1,200 receiving yards in three straight years and 1,300 twice.

With double-digit TDs in each season, he totalled 41 in those years and made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2014. Although he did capture that honor again in 2016, his production has taken a steep decline beginning in 2015, as you can see in the chart below.

Dez Bryant’s Declining Stats

*Dez’s 16 receiving TDs in 2014 were a league-high

How Much Money can Dez Demand?

It’s unlikely Dez will be able to command the same type of salary as in the past, but fact remains he was supposed to be due $12.5 million each of the next two seasons before the Cowboys released him.

Let’s assume he’ll take a pay cut but still sign a deal somewhere between $5-10 million. According to Spotrac.com, Bryant’s Calculated Market Value for an average annual salary is $9.4 million.

Bryant has previously stated he wants to sign a one-year deal giving him the opportunity to parlay a standout year into a bigger and longer contract next season.

But there’s a reason he’s still a free agent: Bryant is 29-years-old, he finished with just 838 yards and six touchdowns in 2017, and has proven he won’t just fall in line with whatever the coach/owner says.

This offseason several free agent wide receivers have signed new deals. Donte Moncrief is much younger at 24, but only had 391 yards and two touchdowns last year. The ex-Colt signed a one-year deal with Jacksonville for $9.6 million.

Michael Crabtree is of a similar age (30) and had 618 yards with eight touchdowns and signed a three-year $21 million deal with Baltimore that will pay him an average annual salary of $7 million.

Looking at Overthecap.com‘s available cap space for each team, any salary in the range Dez is likely to command could eliminate each of the Patriots, Falcons, Saints, and Giants. The Pats could be in the running with a little over $9 million of cap space left, if they’re willing to spend it.

With anywhere from roughly $35-59 million of free cap space, the Titans, Texans, 49ers, and Browns would certainly be able to afford Dez.

NFL 2018 Remaning Cap Space

Who’s the Best Fit for Dez?

The Cleveland Browns are currently the favorites to land the mercurial receiver, even though they already signed star WR Jarvis Landry this summer. With fellow star Josh Gordon away from camp in therapy, many see Bryant as a potential replacement.

Bryant is a big personality and his presence and the potential drama he could bring to a young or new quarterback may not be worth the risk. With that in mind, let’s eliminate the Browns, 49ers, Texans, and Titans.

The #Browns remain interested in Dez Bryant but no visit has been set up to this point. Still communicating. pic.twitter.com/AnZL1OMK8r

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 30, 2018

The Packers lost WR Jordy Nelson this offseason but they rarely make splashy or controversial signings. The Falcons just gave Julio Jones a raise. And somehow I just can’t see Dez working with Drew Brees in New Orleans.

The Giants are up against the cap and already have one diva in receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Though, with no more Brandon Marshall, and Dez’s desire to play against Dallas, the Giants could be in play.

The Washington Redskins could also be an intriguing option, which would see Dez go up against his former team twice this year as well. They have the money and lack any true game-changing receivers. They present some good value at +1200.

The Browns are not the Best Bet, the Patriots are

In my opinion, based on need, history, and value, the New England Patriots present the best betting opportunity.

The Pats traded their second-leading receiver in Brandin Cooks. Their third-leading receiver, Danny Amendola, has been suspended for four games. And their top receiver Rob Gronkowski has durability issues.

How many times have we seen New England pick up troubled or declining players and be able to get the best out of them when others couldn’t?

Randy Moss, Aqib Talib, Donte Stallworth, Corey Dillon, Albert Haynesworth, and Chad Ochocinco are just a few examples. While each of those weren’t a huge success, they all point to the Pats’ propensity to jump in and take a gamble on reclamation projects when they see potential.

I’ve personally taken my own gamble and put a small stake on the +1400 odds.