LANDRY HOPES FOR BRYANT AS BROWNS SEEK WR HELP
Jarvis Landry acknowledged Monday that the Browns have to make sure Dez Bryant is all in before they sign him. “We’re just trying to figure out if he wants to be here,” Landry said Monday. “Then obviously we’re open arms and we’d love to have him. He’d be a great addition to our team and our offense for sure. But right now, all we can focus on is who we have.”
Bryant, 29, has agreed to visit the Browns this week to discuss signing what would likely be a one-year prove-it deal for the three-time Pro Bowler. He’s said he wants to play for a contender, but the Browns might afford him the best opportunity for playing time.
He is likely to come in Thursday, the day before the Browns host the Bills in the second preseason game. But he could also wait until after the game and come in on Saturday.
Landry lobbied for Bryant on Twitter, responding “Ride with Me” after Bryant tweeted that Landry’s speech on “Hard Knocks” gave him chills. So what would the eight-year Cowboys veteran bring?
“Attitude. Obviously, effort,” Landry said. “I mean, you look at the plays he’s mak- ing down the field, underneath. He can really do it all with ... given the opportunities. So and I think coach Todd Haley would do a great job of getting him the ball if he was here, but if not, then we got guys who can make plays, too.”
Landry said he doesn’t know if Bryant, cut by the Cowboys in April, would want to play here.
“Honestly, that’s not my decision,” said Landry. “That’s his choice. But if he’s here, whatever it is, I support him as a friend, so wherever he goes, I’m happy for him.”
As for Bryant being second-fiddle here, and maybe third if Josh Gordon comes back soon, Landry said, “again, not something that I can figure out or give you a true answer to. In this offense, everybody is an option and you know it’s just about who’s making the plays.”
He said he believes Cleveland is a receiver-friendly environment, what with offensive coordinator Haley and receivers coach Adam Henry on board.
“Just looking at Todd’s history, especially what he did in Arizona with (Steve) Breaston, Larry (Fitzgerald) and Anquan (Boldin), those three guys. Again, I think it’s an opportunity for us all to get better. If we add a guy to the room, awesome. If not, then we got to keep moving, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Bryant is one of a group of receivers the Browns are hosting this week in the wake of the Corey Coleman trade and the uncertainty surrounding Gordon’s return. Antonio Callaway is also in the NFL’s substance abuse program and they must take things one day at a time with him as well.
Browns GM John Dorsey said he’ll bring in a mix of veterans and young players to possibly bolster the position.