Profootballtalk Rumor Mill: Is Dez Bryant Headed To The 49ers?

The NFL offseason is always a time of rampant speculation, and the latest rumor to make the rounds is that the San Francisco 49ers are interested in Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant is a three-time Pro Bowler, but he had a down year in 2017, catching just 69 passes for 838 yards and six touchdowns. He was also plagued by off-the-field issues, including a suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The 49ers are in need of a playmaker at the wide receiver position, and Bryant would certainly fit that bill. However, it’s unclear whether the Cowboys would be willing to trade him to a division rival. Stay tuned for updates on this story as it develops.

1. Dez Bryant Rumored to be Headed to the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers may be the next team to take a chance on wide receiver Dez Bryant.

Bryant, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys last month after eight seasons, has yet to sign with another team. But there have been rumors that the 49ers might be interested in the three-time Pro Bowler.

The 49ers have a need at receiver after losing Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin to injury. And Bryant would give them a much-needed red zone threat.

Bryant, who is still only 29 years old, would also be a good fit in the 49ers’ offense. He’s a physical receiver who can win jump balls and he’s also a good route runner.

Of course, the 49ers would have to be comfortable with Bryant’s off-field issues. He’s been suspended multiple times for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

But if the 49ers are willing to take a chance on Bryant, they could be getting a very talented receiver.

2. Why the Rumor Makes Sense

The San Francisco 49ers have been linked to a number of high-profile wide receivers this offseason, including Dez Bryant.

Bryant, who was recently released by the Dallas Cowboys, would be a significant addition to any team, and the 49ers have been rumored to be interested.

There are a few reasons why this rumor makes sense.

For one, the 49ers are in dire need of a No. 1 receiver. Pierre Garcon is the team’s leading receiver, but he’s not a true No. 1. The 49ers need someone who can take the top off of defenses and stretch the field.

Bryant would certainly fit that bill. He’s a big, physical receiver who has the ability to make plays downfield.

Another reason this rumor makes sense is that the 49ers are likely to be without Jimmy Garoppolo for the start of the season. Garoppolo is recovering from a torn ACL and is unlikely to be ready for Week 1.

Without Garoppolo, the 49ers will need to rely on backup quarterback C.J. Beathard. Beathard is a good quarterback, but he doesn’t have the same kind of downfield accuracy that Garoppolo does.

Bryant would give Beathard a big target to throw to, and someone who can make plays even when the quarterback isn’t perfect.

Finally, the 49ers have a lot of salary cap space and they’re not afraid to spend it. They’ve already made a number of big signings this offseason, and they could easily afford to add Bryant to the mix.

So, while it’s just a rumor at this point, there are a few reasons why the 49ers could be interested in signing Dez Bryant. We’ll have to wait and see if anything comes of it.

3. What the 49ers Would be Getting in Dez Bryant

The San Francisco 49ers have been linked to free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant in recent days, and there is growing speculation that the two sides could come to an agreement on a contract.

Bryant, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys last week, would be an intriguing addition to the 49ers’ offense. Here are three things the 49ers would be getting if they sign Bryant:

1. A proven playmaker

Bryant has been one of the NFL’s most productive wide receivers over the past few years. Since 2013, he ranks fourth in the NFL in catches (313) and seventh in receiving yards (4,368). He also has 38 career touchdown catches, which is tied for 12th in the league over that span.

In his career, Bryant has shown the ability to make big plays in the passing game. He averages 15.0 yards per catch, which is the fifth-highest average among active wide receivers (minimum 200 catches).

2. A red-zone threat

Bryant has also been a very effective red-zone weapon throughout his career. In his eight NFL seasons, he has caught 50 passes for touchdowns in the red zone, which is the second-most among all wide receivers.

Bryant’s size (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) and strength make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders in the red zone. He has the ability to go up and make plays on the ball, even when he’s well-covered.

3. A good locker room presence

In addition to his on-field production, Bryant would also be a good addition to the 49ers’ locker room. He’s a well-respected veteran who has been a team captain for the Cowboys.

Bryant is also a hard worker and a good teammate. He’s someone who would be a good role model for the 49ers’ young receivers, like Dante Pettis and Trent Taylor.

The 49ers would be getting a lot if they signed Bryant. He’s a proven playmaker, a red-zone threat, and a good locker-room presence. He would be a welcomed addition to the

4. How the Rumor Could Impact the 49ers’ Offseason Plans

The San Francisco 49ers may be interested in signing free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant, according to a report.

Bryant, who was released by the Dallas Cowboys last week, is reportedly on the 49ers’ radar, as they look to add more talent to their receiving corps.

The 49ers are expected to be active in free agency this offseason, and they have been linked to a number of top free agents, including wide receivers Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins.

Adding Bryant to the mix would give the 49ers another talented receiver to pair with Pierre Garcon, and would give quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo another weapon in the passing game.

The 49ers are expected to have around $70 million in salary cap space this offseason, so they have the ability to make a big splash in free agency.

We’ll have to wait and see if they make a move for Bryant, but it’s certainly a possibility. Stay tuned.

5. What Other Teams Might Be Interested in Dez Bryant

With the San Francisco 49ers rumored to be interested in signing Dez Bryant, let’s take a look at five other teams who might also be interested in the veteran wide receiver.

1. New England Patriots
The Patriots are always looking to add talent to their offense, and with Bryant’s ability to make plays down the field, he would be a perfect fit in New England.

2. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are another team that could use a receiver like Bryant. With Jordy Nelson gone, the Packers don’t have a true No. 1 receiver, and Bryant could fill that void.

3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders are a team on the rise, and they could use a receiver like Bryant to help take their offense to the next level.

4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens could use another receiver to complement their existing group, and Bryant would be a good fit in Baltimore.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have been one of the most active teams in free agency, and they could use a receiver like Bryant to help take their offense to the next level.