New York Giants: Dez Bryant not a free agent target

The New York Giants could make a splash by signing free agent Dez Bryant, but it’s a move that makes little sense for all involved.

Some things shouldn’t need to be said aloud or written. They are beyond obvious to just about any reasonable adult. Even diehard fans of the New York Giants understand that quarterback Eli Manning is closer to the end of his tenure with the club and retirement than to his prime. After all, the two-time Super Bowl MVP turned 37 years old last January. He, like every other athlete, cannot escape Father Time.

Perhaps just as evident to those who follow Big Blue is that the Giants should not, for more than a few seconds, consider signing wide receiver Dez Bryant now that the Dallas Cowboys have officially parted ways with him. Per Mickey Spagnola ‏of DallasCowboys.com, Bryant informed his former employer he’d be seeing the Cowboys “twice this year” upon exiting, a threat that hints the 29-year old wants to sign with either the Giants, Washington Redskins or Philadelphia Eagles.

That’s a nice thought, on paper, but Bryant may find himself waiting for phone calls during the spring. According to Mike Jones of the USA Today, the Redskins aren’t all that interested in landing Bryant. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen added that none of the teams in the NFC East, the Giants included, are going out of the way to make Bryant’s wish come true ahead of the NFL Draft.

Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins apparently views the situation differently. On Friday, Jenkins tweeted that he would like to see Bryant line-up alongside superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the New York offense. Jenkins may have learned a lesson the hard way, as he added follow-ups not longer after his initial tweet:

Adding Bryant to New York’s depth chart would create intriguing and, possibly, nightmare match-ups for opposing defenses on editions of Madden. The matter is more complicated in real life. For starters, Bryant appears to already be on the downslope of what once looked to be a Hall of Fame career. He hasn’t posted what would be considered elite numbers since the 2014 season. Even his biggest fans would have to admit he is no longer among the top players at the position.

A drop in physical skills, alone, doesn’t necessarily mean Bryant wouldn’t be a solid get for the Giants. After all, he wouldn’t be asked to be the No. 1 target in an offense that currently features Beckham, Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram. The Giants still have veteran Brandon Marshall on the roster, as well, but Bryant could, theoretically, replace Marshall if general manager Dave Gettleman wanted to kick tires on signing Bryant.

As with so many things, money could be the biggest obstacle keeping Bryant and the Giants apart ahead of summer training camp sessions. In short, the Giants won’t be playing with a ton of available salary cap space, particularly after the team acquires several hoped-to-be starters in the draft. Yes, the trade of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul freed funds, but that cash is meant to be used down the road, ideally to keep the likes of Beckham and Landon Collins in Giants’ blue for the foreseeable future.

NFL front offices often find clever ways to stretch pennies, make the money work and come in a hair under the cap by the deadline. As long as Bryant was willing to accept a discounted “prove it” contract, in part to play against the Cowboys at least twice next season, he and the Giants could work something out that benefits both sides.

That doesn’t make it a good idea. Those of us on the outside who have never worked a day within the Cowboys’ organization can only speculate about Bryant’s stint with the franchise, but it’s hardly a secret that he possesses a big personality. We’ve seen Bryant lash out on the sidelines multiple times. History indicates he wouldn’t shy away from figuratively throwing Manning or others under the bus during a post-game press obligation following a loss.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

The Giants are actively trying to win the Super Bowl next February while, at the same time, planning for the start of next decade. That, alone, is a difficult task for a new general manager and new head coach Pat Shurmur. Adding Bryant to the mix could help New York achieve that first goal. After all, Terrell Owens proved to be a revelation in his first seasons with the Cowboys and the Eagles last decade.

Beckham and Bryant in the same offense could be a lot of fun to watch. Beckham and Bryant in the same locker room would make for either electric and entertaining memories or a combustible element if things went terribly wrong as what occurred with the Giants last fall. There’s probably no in-between. The risks out-weigh the potential rewards here, which is why it’s logical the Giants aren’t targeting Bryant in free agency as of the middle of April.