Should Dez Bryant be a New York Giant?

Dez Bryant seemingly wants to be a member of the New York Giants. There has been no indication that the Giants have any intention of making that happen. Still that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about whether or not bringing the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver to the Giants would be a good idea.

Hey, at least it’s not another Odell post. Or, the 800th discussion of what the Giants will do with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Oddsmakers don’t seem to think Bryant will wind up with the Giants.

What do your Big Blue View staff writers think? Let’s ask.

Dan Pizzuta — There just isn’t a fit

There are a few logistical roadblocks on and off the field that would make signing Dez Bryant a problem. First would just be fitting him on the team contractually. The Giants would have to cut Brandon Marshall — something they might do anyway — and adding Bryant’s contract would likely add to more than what the Giants would spend to just keep Marshall unless Bryant signed for some ridiculously cheap deal just to play in the NFC East. It’s not difficult to create cap space, but for a team already close to the cap there are cheaper resources available.

Then we get on the field. Bryant clearly isn’t the receiver he used to be and he’s struggled to adjust his game to compensate for his current athleticism. Some of this could be fixed with a heavier workload in the slot and while I see that as a viable option for Bryant’s future, I don’t think that works with the Giants.

Part of what makes the current Giants skill position players dangerous is the ability to succeed from the slot, not the need to play from there. Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Evan Engram can all line up on the outside and in the slot and that versatility can give the Giants a mismatch on any given play. Needing Bryant to win from the slot could clog up a spot in the formation that could be better served by rotating in other receivers who provide more overall versatility. Spending too much effort on fitting Bryant to a place where he needs to win isn’t worth handcuffing the rest of the passing offense.

Chris Pflum — It makes sense, until you think about it

Should Dez Bryant be a Giant in 2018? The idea makes a ton of sense, at least from Bryant’s perspective. For the Giants? Not so much. While Bryant would likely be an upgrade over Brandon Marshall as the “Number Two” receiver and give the Giants a much-needed contrast in their receiving corps. However, the question is whether he will be worth his (potential) price tag. Bryant had the same foot injury that basically ended Hakeem Nicks’ career.

The Giants already have a viable option in Sterling Shepard, who proved himself a capable outside receiver when pressed into the role by injury (between his own injuries). They also added Cody Latimer, who is coming off his best season as a pro, and Darius Powe, who was impressive playing with starters last pre-season.

This isn’t to say that I would be absolutely opposed to the Giants signing Bryant. Under the right conditions, there is certainly upside there. He could well play better with Eli, Beckham, and Engram in Pat Shurmur’s offense than in Dallas, and could be a high level number two. However, unless he comes in on a reasonable deal with a firm understanding of his role and the kind of locker room the Giants are trying to build, I would pass.

Valentine’s View — No, thanks

If you’ve been reading Big Blue View for a while, you didn’t even need to ask my opinion. It’s a hard pass for me.

Yes, he is younger than Brandon Marshall. He isn’t the player he once was, though. If you want the guy Bryant could be for the Giants, just keep the one you already have — Marshall.

The locker room stuff is the other issue. Maybe Bryant isn’t the hot head he once was, but I still feel like it’s risky to add another big personalty to the room.

Your turn

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