Dez Bryant released: Dallas Cowboys drop veteran wide receiver

The Dallas Cowboys have finally decided to release veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant, according to ESPN. The decision came after Bryant had a meeting with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Friday.

Bryant, who turns 30 years old in November, simply isn’t the same player he used to be. He hasn’t gone over 1,000 yards since the 2014 season. He averaged a career-low 12.1 yards per reception in 2017.

Dallas saves $8.5 million in much-needed cap relief by making this move, but it also creates $8 million in dead money. As you can see, the Cowboys aren’t exactly the best at managing their cap.

By comparison, the Eagles are using $22.5 million to pay Fletcher Cox, Mike Wallace, and Corey Clement to, you know, actually play for their team in 2018.

Bryant may be washed up, but he was still the best receiver the Cowboys had. Dallas is a worse team by getting rid of him. Just look at their current depth chart: Allen Hurns, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Deonte Thompson, Ryan Switzer, Lance Lenior, KD Cannon, Noah Brown.

Yeah ... that’s not exactly inspiring. Especially when you have a quarterback that’s actually not that good (Dak Prescott) and needs all the help he can get.

The Cowboys will have a chance to improve their receiving corps in the 2018 NFL Draft. They own the No. 19 overall pick in the first round. But receiver is hardly the only need on a Dallas roster that clearly lacked the right mix of talent and depth in 2017.

For now, we bid you adieu, Dez. Maybe we’ll see you if you land on a team that plays the Eagles this season. We certainly won’t see the Eagles signing you despite the fact your old wide receivers coach, Gunter Brewer, is here in Philadelphia.

Feel free to honor Dez’s Cowboys career with your favorite memories. Here are some of mine. #ThankYouDez

PS: The Eagles won the Super Bowl.