Michael Irvin: Cowboys 'would be stupid' to let Bryant go
Hall of Fame wide receiver and Cowboys legend Michael Irvin disagrees with rumors suggesting fellow receiver Dez Bryant could be a potential cap casualty in Dallas this offseason.
"You don't find No. 1 receivers hanging off trees like leaves," Irvin said, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. "So what are you gonna do, let Dez go? Who you got to replace him? You think they can just find No. 1 receivers? Every team would have 'em. They'd litter 'em. They would litter 'em. You don't find them this easily. The Cowboys would be stupid - stupid - to let this boy go right now."
Bryant has two more seasons at an annual base salary of $12.5 million remaining on his contract, though the Cowboys have an out after next season that would leave them with just $4 million in dead cap.
Bryant hasn't had a 1,000-yard campaign since 2014, racking up just 838 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games this season.
Irvin believes the dip in production should be expected with quarterback Dak Prescott throwing the ball.
"Now he has a new quarterback who we have just given the old-man tag to. It's like Dak has been around forever already playing football when it's just his second year," Irvin said. "He just finished his second year. And Dez has to bring Dak along.
Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley are the only other Cowboys receivers slated to earn more than $1 million next season.