Dallas Cowboys News: Wide Receiver Options With Dez Bryant’s Impending Suspension
The Dallas Cowboys have been searching for wide receiver help for some time now, but with Dez Bryant's recent arrest and possible suspension, Dallas may have to significantly increase their efforts.
Bryant turned himself into police on Monday after allegedly assaulting his mother at her home. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has yet to announce how many games Bryant will miss due to suspension.
Bryant's situation complicates matters for the Cowboys, who were already shorthanded at wide out. Rookie receiver Danny Coale broke his foot back in May and still has not been cleared to practice. The Cowboys also lost Laurent Robinson, who was a key performer in 2011, to free agency.
So in the weeks leading up to the season, and perhaps the first couple of weeks of the 2012 season, Dallas might be looking to the waiver wire or the free agent market for help.
Here are some options that the Cowboys might want to explore:
T.J. Houshmandzadeh
The former Cincinnati Bengals star hasn't had a productive season since 2009, but the 34-year-old wouldn't be a bad find on the free agent market late in the offseason. Houshmandzadeh has been in the league for 12 years and has a total of 627 receptions, including a league-best 112 in 2007 (a Pro Bowl season). After starting his career with the Bengals, Houshmandzadeh has bounced around to Seattle, Baltimore and Oakland. His veteran presence in Dallas might be a key ingredient for the 2012 season.
Anthony Gonzalez
The former Ohio State star is younger than Houshmandzadeh, but the 27-year-old has accomplished little in the past three seasons. Gonzalez got his NFL career off to a good start with two strong seasons with the Colts. In those years, he had a combined 94 receptions for 1,240 yards in 29 games. In 2009, Gonzalez suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss nearly the entire season. By 2010, he had lost his starting spot and played just two games before getting hurt again. Due to his injury-prone history, Gonzalez certainly isn't an ideal pick, but the Cowboys are lacking depth and he might be worth the risk.
Terrell Owens
Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have already made it clear that they are not interested in Owens, but perhaps an extended period without Bryant would change their minds. Jones said earlier this month that he considers Owens a friend and that he would be happy to do what he can to help him in his job search -- just not necessarily offer him one in Dallas. Owens,38, hasn't played an NFL game since 2010, but the six-time Pro Bowler thinks he can be a contributor. The Cowboys probably need to give him a tryout.
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