The Cleveland Browns traded wide receiver Corey Coleman to the Buffalo Bills this week, and some have wondered if the move was made to create room for Dez Bryant. If his social media activity is any indication, Bryant might be hoping that is the case.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Monday that the Browns have interest in Bryant but are in a “holding pattern” as the former Dallas Cowboys wideout decides whether or not he wants to visit with the team. ESPN’s Josina Anderson had a similar report on Tuesday, noting that the Browns are skeptical that Bryant would sign with them.
#Browns source tells me the Corey Coleman trade was not specifically done to clear space for free agent WR Dez Bryant. Additionally source said, there's an impression they have that Bryant is not seriously interested in coming to Cleveland.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 7, 2018
However, a comment Bryant made on Instagram Monday night appeared to indicate he has interest in joining the Browns. When one of his fan pages shared a photoshopped image of Bryant in a Cleveland uniform, he commented, “I don’t look bad in that browns uniform.”
Look at the comment pic.twitter.com/ExkUhx3zs3
— cleveland (@cleveland2477) August 7, 2018
Anderson acknowledged Bryant’s comment but said the feeling within the Browns’ building is that Dez may not be serious.
I hear you, but that's how some feel in the #Browns building. I also know there are folks who would be in favor of at least considering to add him in Cleveland, if engagement was substantial, but I'm told his name has not come up in a while. We'll see how things cont to unfold… https://t.co/DR9tiLXYvw
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 7, 2018
Bryant is said to be seeking a specific type of contract, and the Browns still have plenty of salary cap space. They also already have a loaded wide receiver group led by Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry, so Bryant could conceivably have a big year in Cleveland if he faced a lot of single coverage. If contending for a championship in 2018 is a priority for him, the Browns don’t really make sense. That said, it doesn’t seem like Bryant has a ton of options at this point.
