Should the Miami Dolphins Offer Dez Bryant A Tryout?

With Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns opting out of the 2020 season, the Miami Dolphins lost two role players in their receiving unit. Wilson and Hurns might not be key losses for Miami but their speed and ability will be missed in key situations.

Wilson was coming on strong towards the end of last year as he recovered from an injury. Hurns came in to be the occasional spark in tough situations. The team has done all they could to fill the void signing ex-Colt Chester Rogers. While he’s still young and unpolished, Rogers has tremendous upside, but it might not be enough to replace two speedy receivers.

2020 will be the year the NFL needs experience the most. Without the benefit of preseason games, rookies won’t have the time to develop like they normally would. Should the Dolphins take a flyer on former Dallas Cowboys’ receiver Dez Bryant?

Bryant was one of the most explosive and dynamic weapons for the Cowboys in his 8 years with the team. While his best days may or may not be behind him, at only 31-years old there might be some football left in him.

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We’ve all heard the stats of how “Dez Bryant hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season since ..” but those were the days of his status as a #1 receiver. In Miami, he wouldn’t have to be their main target. Bryant would have to earn his spot next to young contributors like DeVante Parker, Preston Williams, and Jakeem Grant.

Before Dolphins fans freak out, this would strictly be a tryout. No one is saying put him in the starting lineup or that he’s the player he used to be. If he’s still healthy, however, he can contribute where they need it most, touchdowns. For his career, Bryant averages 9 touchdowns per season. The number would be higher without his 9-game shortened season in 2015 where he only caught 3 touchdowns.

While Dez Bryant might have been a headache in the past, hopefully, the three years off has humbled his frustrations. His passion for the game could spark competitiveness within the Dolphins organization. He’s a veteran presence who could help steer this young offense on the right path.

Then, of course, there’s a major difference between the Miami Dolphins and his time with the Dallas Cowboys. When it comes to head coaches, it’s been said that Jason Garrett wasn’t the guy to motivate and get the best out of his players. Between that and never taking true risks on game day it probably was a large part of Bryant’s frustration.

On the other hand, Brian Flores has a humble and kind approach but still remains tough and firm. His approach to the game not only gets the best out of his players, so far. By the end of the season, the players left with Miami seemed to gravitate towards Flores and his approach to winning football games. Dez could use the change of pace coach who is both well respected and passes on his passion for the game.

Miami has a need at wide receiver and Dez Bryant wants to play. The Dolphins could be the perfect fit for the former star. Playing on a team that is rebuilding after taking three years away might set him straight. There’s no harm in offering one of the better veteran receivers a tryout.