Report: Saints, Dez Bryant negotiating deal after workout
The New Orleans Saints and Dez Bryant are negotiating a deal after both sides were pleased with his workout Tuesday, NFL Network reports.
Dez Bryant left New Orleans without a contract, but the #Saints liked what they saw and the sides are in negotiations on a deal, sources tell me, @SlaterNFL and @RapSheet. He’s been close before, so nothing’s done until it’s done, but all signs pointing that way.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 7, 2018
Bryant reportedly worked out alongside 34-year-old six-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall and journeyman Kamar Aiken as the Saints looked to bolster a thin receiving corps.
Saints need a reliable No. 2
The Saints have one of the top pass catchers in the game in Michael Thomas, but have struggled to find a reliable second receiver after placing Ted Ginn on injured reserve.
Cameron Meredith has fallen out of the rotation, failing to catch a pass in the last three games. Third-round rookie Tre’Quan Smith has started four games this season, tallying 214 yards and three touchdowns through eight games.
Smith’s 12 catches rank second on the team among wideouts, trailing Thomas’ tally of 70 by a wide margin. New Orleans has plenty of options in the pass game including running back Alvin Kamara and tight end Ben Watson.
But as the Saints set their sights on a Super Bowl run, an upgrade at receiver is a glaring need.
Chance at redemption for Bryant?
Bryant, 30, was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Dallas Cowboys who struggled to find his top form playing with quarterback Dak Prescott after the departure of Tony Romo.
Dallas cut Bryant late in the free-agent process in April, and he has struggled to find work after dalliances with the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns failed to pan out.
If Bryant and the Saints reach terms, he’ll have the chance to redeem his career and contribute to a winner. There will be no blaming struggles on the quarterback with Drew Brees throwing the ball.
And if he does return to form, the high-octane Saints will be that much more feared in the second half of the season.
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