Reggie Wayne: 4 free agent receivers are better than Dez Bryant
Former NFL wide receiver turned analyst Reggie Wayne would rank the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant the fourth or fifth best wide out in free agency right now.
At the end of last week, Dallas Cowboys veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant vented his frustrations via a radio interview about the offseason speculation he’ll be ask to take a pay cut soon. The 29-year old wide receiver is schedule to count $16.5 million against the Cowboys’ salary cap this upcoming season, making him the second highest paid receiver in the NFL.
Unfortunately, Bryant’s production the past three seasons has been disappointing, to say the least. Since signing a five-year, $70 million contract back in July of 2015, Dez has averaged just 50 receptions for 678 yards and five touchdowns per season ever since.
Clearly, the Cowboys have a big decision to make. If Bryant is unwilling to accept a reduction in salary, Dallas may be forced to release the fiery receiver. If they did, Dez would join the below list of the best available free agent wide outs as determined by NFL.com.
- Allen Robinson, WR – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Sammy Watkins, WR – Los Angeles Rams
- Terrelle Pryor, WR – Washington Redskins
- Jordan Matthews, WR – Buffalo Bills
- Paul Richardson, WR – Seattle Seahawks
- Marqise Lee, WR – Jacksonville Jaguars
So, if Bryant did hit the open market, would he instantly be the best wide receiver available in free agency? According to one former NFL receiver turned analyst for the NFL Network, Dez would barely even make the top five on the above list.
"“My honest opinion, I think [Bryant] falls in that fourth or fifth slot right there,” said Reggie Wayne on the NFL Total Access recently. “I know a lot of people be like ‘Are you crazy? Look at that list!’ But you gotta look at Dez Bryant here. He’s getting a little older. He’s not as fast as he used to be. He’s not getting much separation … I question what is he good at? Is it route running? Is it catching? Is it speed? I would argue anybody in all three of those categories he’s been struggling in the last year or two.”"
Reggie Wayne certainly has the credentials to make an informed analysis about the wide receiver position, having been one himself. Wayne played 14-years in the NFL, all but one season was with the Indianapolis Colts. He’s a former Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowler.
But saying Terrelle Pryor and Jordan Matthews are better players than Bryant is ridiculous. Especially, Pryor, who was a major bust in Washington last season recording 20 receptions for 240 yards and one score after inking a one-year, $6 million contract. And that was in a pass-heavy offense with quarterback Kirk Cousins under center.
Next: Dear Dez Bryant - Where did it all go wrong?
I could see the argument for both Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins being considered better long-term free agent adds than a 29-year old Dez Bryant. But saying Terrelle Pryor and Jordan Matthews are above Dez on this list is just plain disrespectful.