Did the Giants Release Marshall to Make Room for Dez?

“Dez Bryant” by Keith Allison is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

When Dez Bryant was released by the Dallas Cowboys, it was reported he walked out saying he would see them twice this year. We know Dez wants to stay in the NFC East so he can get revenge on the Cowboys. If Dez really does want to stay in the division, he’s going to choose between the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and New York Giants. We haven’t heard much news regarding visits or contract talks between Dez and these teams since he came out and said he wanted to play for them, but a move made by the New York Giants today may be the start of something.

After signing Brandon Marshall one year ago, the Giants have released the former Pro Bowl receiver. Releasing Marshall opens up a spot in the Giants receiving unit, which many think could be for Dez Bryant. Dez did come out and say that playing for the Giants  would be ‘crazy.’ What’s funny about this, is Brandon Marshall responded to Dez by saying “Sorry baby bro no room.” Well it looks like there was no room for Marshall rather than Dez.

This move doesn’t mean the Giants are for sure signing Dez Bryant, but the possibility is much higher. If you think about it, signing Dez would be a smart move by the Giants. This would give their offense a very good number two receiver behind Odell Beckham Jr. With the number two overall pick in the draft, the Giants will have the opportunity to select running back Saquon Barkley, who is considered the best overall prospect this year. If the rumors are true, all signs point to Barkley being a New York Giant.

If the Giants are serious about getting back into contention after having a 3-13 season, they have to improve their offense. The offense was second worst in the league, only in front of guess who…….. the Cleveland Browns. The defense looked a lot worse than it actually was because they were put in bad situations and were always on the field.

If the Giants draft Saquon Barkley, it takes care of one of their biggest needs. This team hasn’t been a good rushing team in a long time. Eli Manning needs a 1,000+ yard rusher who can make his life in the passing game easier. Let’s say they draft Barkley. They now have a dynamic running back.

They already have a dynamic receiver in Odell Beckham Jr. Sterling Shepard is a very good receiver, along with young TE Even Engram. Now you throw Dez into the mix. How are teams going to cover all these guys? It’s pretty likely Odell will see a lot of double coverage throughout the season. If they double Odell, that will leave Dez Bryant one on one. Despite his seemingly declining skills, there’s a reason why Dez Bryant is the Dallas Cowboys leader in TD receptions. His big body allows him to win 50/50 balls, especially against smaller receivers.

As the number one receiver in Dallas, Dez was matched up with the opposing teams best corner. If he were a Giant, the best corner would be on Odell Beckham, leaving him with a less talented corner to bully around. As much as I don’t want to say this and don’t want this to happen (I’m a Cowboys fan), the Giants are the perfect fit for Dez. He doesn’t have to get double coverage, he won’t get the best corner on him, the attention will be off him and on Odell, and he wouldn’t be as relied upon to produce big numbers every game. Pair Odell and with a dynamic running game led by Saquon Barkley. That’s scary.

Again, just because Brandon Marshall was released, it doesn’t mean Dez is for sure going to be a Giant. I think it’d be a smart move for the Giants to make, and I’m sure they’re considering it. Having both Dez and Odell would come with a lot of drama, but their talent would outweigh that. Their potential to be major factors in what could be one of the best offense’s in the league next year would outweigh that.

In my opinion, the reason why Dez remains unsigned is because his price tag is too high for his production. What Dez needs is a one year prove it deal. If he can produce this season then maybe whoever signs him will sign him long term. It could cause another team to want him long term also. Already having problems signing Odell Beckham to a long term deal, the Giants likely won’t pay Dez the high price he’s looking for. If Dez is serious about being a New York Giant and playing Dallas twice a year, he’ll have to lower what he’s looking for.

I believe Dez will end up in the NFC East, but with who remains to be seen. Right now it looks like the Giants might be the front runners, but we’ll see. Regardless of where Dez goes in the division, it will be exciting (and scary for Cowboys fans) to watch him when he faces his former team.