Bryant to visit receiver-thin Cleveland on Thursday
Former Oklahoma State star Dez Bryant is going to meet with the Browns. Depending on how things go, he could stay awhile.
The free agent wide receiver has scheduled a visit with Cleveland on Thursday, and the anticipated stopover could lead to the threetime Pro Bowler signing with a team craving more playmakers.
Bryant, who released by the Dallas 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 following Tuesday’s practice. “I think you have to work through whatever conversations we have and feel good about it.”
Cleveland needs receiving help and receiver Jarvis Landry and quarterback Tyrod Taylor have lobbied for Bryant, who has 531 career receptions for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns.
The Browns have been in the market for another receiver since camp opened.
Former Pro Bowler Josh Gordon has been absent to focus on his health and the team doesn’t know when he’ll be back. Cleveland recently traded former first-round pick Corey Coleman to Buffalo and there are still questions about whether rookie Antonio Callaway can be counted on because of his background and recently being cited for marijuana possession and driving with a suspended license.
Roquan Smith signs with Bears, reports to camp
The Chicago Bears on Tuesday got a first look at first-round draft pick Roquan Smith 30 days after he was supposed to report with rookies for camp.
Drafted by general manager Ryan Pace No. 8 overall, the Georgia linebacker had been the last unsigned pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Smith settled on a four-year contract that guarantees $18.5 million and includes an $11.5 million signing bonus, a person familiar with the talks told The Associated Press.
The sticking point reportedly had been the agent’s insistence on protection for Smith regarding guaranteed money.
Redskins release Scandrick
The Washington Redskins made a surprise move three weeks into training camp by releasing veteran cornerback Orlando Scandrick.
Scandrick signed a twoyear deal with Washington in March after being cut by the Dallas Cowboys and had been practicing with the first-team defense. Coach
Jay Gruden on Tuesday said the play of second-year cornerback Fabian Moreau, sixth-round pick Greg Stroman, undrafted free agents Danny Johnson and Ranthony Texada and supplemental draft pick
Adonis Alexander played into the decision.
Giants’ Barkley sits out practice
Saquon Barkley mostly stood and watched, resting his strained left hamstring as the New York Giants practiced against the Detroit Lions.
Barkley, a rookie running back drafted No. 2 overall out of Penn State, did some drills very slowly before going to the sideline to work on strength and conditioning.
On Monday, he caught a swing pass out of the backfield and was injured either stretching to make the catch or running down the sideline after the catch.