The writing had been on the wall for months now. First the comments made by Stephen Jones implying that Dez was a distraction and not worth the hefty contract. Then Dez stated that he would not be open to taking a pay cut. At the start of free agency the Cowboys attempted to sign Sammy Watkins and eventually signed Allen Hurns, a player with a similar skill set to Dez Bryant. Finally there is all of the work the Cowboys are putting in towards drafting a wide receiver, interviewing and analyzing every single top wide receiver prospect. This news should have come as no surprise and yet I my jaw remains on the floor as I process the reality that Dez Bryant was released by the Cowboys today.
The decision was not mutual
Cowboy nation I need you to know this wasn’t my decision.. I will always love y’all… forever Dallas in my heart
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018
and it has long been believed that this decision was not what Jerry Jones wanted. Combine this move with the decision for the Cowboys to draft Zack Martin over Johnny Manzeil in 2014 and it appears that this is Stephen Jones team now. Dez is apparently not happy about it either.
If I didn’t have my edge I got it now… I’m sorry they got to feel me it’s personal… it’s very personal
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 13, 2018
It has even been suggested that he may look to sign with a division rival.
Dez walked out saying I’ll see guys twice this year, I’m told. So that’s that.
— Mickey Spagnola (@Spags52) April 13, 2018
That would truly be a shame as you never want to give a rival any added motivation.
Cowboy nation appears to be as divided as ever. Many fans are devastated at losing a player that is considered the heart and soul of the team. Others are thankful that a player perceived as a diva with a huge contract is gone and $8 of cap space has been freed up. What is without doubt is that this move will have a significant effect on the culture of this team going forward. We have lost one of the most passionate and emotional players on the team although potentially one of the biggest distractions in the locker room. Time will tell if this will benefit the Cowboys long-term but short-term the Cowboys are not a better team without Dez Bryant on their roster.
*Photo by Kieth Allison https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode