The Dallas Cowboys are in a bit of a pickle right now. Both star wide receiver Dez Bryant and Pro Bowl running back DeMarco Murray are set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason. Now remember, the Cowboys were cash strapped coming into this season. Re-signing two stud players likely wouldn't help that situation.
Even team owner and general manager Jerry Jones has acknowledged that it wouldn't be "financially reasonable" to bring bath both Bryant and Murray, which would likely cost the team somewhere around $25 million in 2015 to do so. Of the two, Bryant will probably be Dallas' top priority, but contract negotiations thus far have been contentious at best. I'm wondering what would happen if free agency rolls around and Bryant still isn't inked.
If that happens, I think three teams would jump at the chance to sign the All-Pro wide receiver.
1. Oakland Raiders
The NFL's salary cap could jump as high as $160 million for the 2015 season (gotta love that new television deal!) and the Raiders are slated to have the most cap space of any team (roughly $50 million). Derek Carr appears to be capable of developing into a franchise quarterback, so the next step is finding him a No. 1 receiver to help him grow. No disrespect to Oakland's current group of pass catchers, but Bryant is on another level. He'd be the type of offensive weapon the Raiders haven't seen since Randy Moss decided to bench himself and mope his way out of town.
New head coach Jack Del Rio just came over from the Denver Broncos where Demaryius Thomas helped put his defense in favorable positions. I could see him wanting a similar set up in Oakland.
2. New England Patriots
The Patriots have a lot of decisions to make. First, they have to figure out a new deal for cornerback Darrelle Revis, then they need to shore up the running game with Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley set to hit the open market. But one thing New England hasn't stopped looking for is an explosive No. 1 receiver. The Pats come up most often when rumors start swirling that the Arizona Cardinals are finally willing to trade Larry Fitzgerald. Instead of taking on a veteran on the wrong side of 30, why not go and sign one of the preeminent wide receivers in the game who's only 26-years-old? Tom Brady re-did his deal once again to allow New England some more financial breathing room in the short-term. Put some of that money towards getting Brady a go-to target to finish his career with.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs can open up some cap space by cutting guys like Tamba Hali, Donnie Avery and others. But out of everyone in the NFL, they probably have the biggest need at the position. Did you know not a single regular receiver on KC caught a touchdown this entire season? Yikes.
Head coach Andy Reid needs to revamp the wide receiving corps in a big way. When you're that desperate, anything is possible, even snagging a guy like Bryant if enough money is flashed in front of him.
