Green Bay Packers: Stay away from Dez Bryant in free agency

The Green Bay Packers were linked briefly to free agent Dez Bryant. There’s no reason for them to go after the wide receiver though.

Dez Bryant is still an above-average wide receiver in the NFL. Last season he had 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns. He’s also still young (29). There are a few reasons the Green Bay Packers should steer clear from him, though.

The first reason is pretty simple. They don’t really need him. The Packers already have Davante Adams and Randall Cobb at the receiver position. Meanwhile, young guys like Michael Clark and Geronimo Allison can take the next step. Then there’s Jimmy Graham at tight end.

This ties into the next reason. The Packers have plenty of potential at the position. Clark is joined by DeAngelo Yancey as second-year receivers who have potential to grow. At the same time, rookies like Equanimeous St. Brown can burst onto the scene.

Bryant has made it clear he wants a one-year contract. Basically, all this would do is stunt the growth of the younger receivers. If they aren’t playing at all, they’re growth will be severally limited.

Finally, there’s the locker room. Reports from former teammates seem to be that Bryant wasn’t a problem in the locker room. Would this be the case when he’s not the first or second — or even third — option though?

We’ve all seen the receiver get grumpy on the sideline quite a few times. That’s with him averaging over eight targets a game to this point in his career too. Now cut that down considerably. He’s already been labeled as someone that brings at least a little drama with him. That could get combustable.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Biggest steals for each team

Dez Bryant still has good football in him. At the same time though, he’s not the same receiver he once was. Bringing him to the Green Bay Packers would present more problems than solutions. It would be better for both parties if this marriage never happens.