Bryant to visit Browns to see if he’s a fit
BEREA, Ohio — Dez Bryant’s going to meet with the Browns. Depending on how things go, he could stay a while.
The free agent wide receiver has scheduled a visit with Cleveland on Thursday, and the anticipated stopover could lead to the three-time Pro Bowler signing with a team craving more playmakers.
Bryant, who released by the Cowboys in April after eight seasons, has shown previous interest in joining the Browns. Last week, Bryant posted on Twitter that he intended to speak with the team, and a Browns spokesman confirmed the sides will talk later this week.
But while Bryant would certainly be a talent upgrade for a team coming off a 0-16 season, Browns coach Hue Jackson said it’s vital to make sure he fits with Cleveland’s culture.
“It’s not just a given,” Jackson said after Tuesday’s practice. “I think you have to work through whatever conversations we have and feel good about it.”
Gregory blames ‘deeper issues’
Randy Gregory understands the prevailing view that repeated use of marijuana is the reason the Cowboys defensive end has been suspended for 30 of the past 32 games.
Now that he’s on the verge of playing after a year away from the NFL, Gregory wants people to know there are deeper issues of mental health that Gregory isn’t comfortable discussing in detail publicly.
“I was self-sabotaging,” Gregory said in his first group session with reporters. “Anybody that deals with what I have to deal with and what I’ve gone through and understands the process of what I’ve been through, I think can understand there’s also a mental aspect to it along with emotional.”
Broncos may sign veteran backup QB
The Broncos might not be done shuffling backup quarterbacks.
General manager John Elway says he might still sign a veteran to back up starting QB Case Keenum if he doesn’t feel Chad Kelly can win games in a pinch.
The Broncos promoted Kelly over former first-round pick Paxton Lynch this week following their contrasting performances in training camp and in the preseason opener last weekend, when Lynch threw for just 24 yards over seven series with the second string. Kelly had a pair of touchdowns in mop-up duty against the Vikings.
Odds and ends
The Bears have signed firstround draft pick Roquan Smith after a holdout by the linebacker over his contract. A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press he has agreed to a four-year contract that guarantees $18.5 million and includes an $11.5 million signing bonus. Smith was the No. 8 overall selection in April’s draft. …
Running back Saquon Barkley stood and watched, for the most part, resting his strained left hamstring as the Giants practiced against the Lions. “He’s day to day,” Giants coach Pat Shurmur said. … Washington made a surprise move three weeks into training camp by releasing veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick. …
Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz expects to participate in 11-on-11 drills next week, but it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the season opener against the Falcons. Wentz’s goal since having surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee has been to be ready for that game. …
The Raiders have activated tackle Donald Penn off the physically unable to perform list. Penn took part in practice Tuesday, his first since injuring his right foot in Week 15 last season. … Dolphins fourth-year receiver DeVante Parker has a hand injury that has kept him out of training camp practice for two straight days.