Dez Bryant did not have the season he was hoping for. The wide receiver earned an ice five-year contract extension in the offseason with the expectation that he would again be one of the best in the league. However, a foot injury limited him to nine games this year while requiring him to undergo surgery this offseason. With offensive firepower a priority for the Cowboys in free agency, Bryant is making it clear that he will be fine.
Bryant made it clear on Instagram that he will return from the foot injury and will be back even stronger in 2016. Bryant slammed fans that trolled him during the AFC Championship Game. Many Cowboys' fans were upset the receiver missed a good portion of the season as the team failed to get anything going on offense as a result. Bryant thought he would have been able to play through the injury, but understands that it is better to let things fully heal.
"After I broke my foot and tried to come back, I knew I wasn't [right]," Bryant said, via Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "But at the same time, I knew what was at stake. I thought I could potentially perform at a high level despite dealing with this foot. It turned out very unfortunate. I knew exactly what I was dealing with when I chose to come back. It didn't work out as planned. I'm taking it for whatever it is. I'm just ready to train. I'm ready to get back, ready to get back 100 percent to do what I love to do, and that's get in the end zone."
Regardless of Bryant's health, the Cowboys need another receiver. Terrance Williams was lackluster. Devin Street barely did anything on the field. Cole Beasley was inconsistent. While quarterback play was bad, Matt Cassel did not have much to work with as he failed to make connections with the other receivers. The Dallas Morning News reports that the Cowboys will make a big addition to the roster, but it remains to be seen whether they chase a free agent or get a rookie.
With the No.4 pick in the NFL Draft, the Cowboys stand a great chance at getting Laquon Treadwell from Ole Miss. He is regarded as the best receiver in the draft right now and will be gone by the first five to ten picks. The Cowboys could wait until the second round and hope an in-state talent like Josh Doctson is available, but if they want a star rookie, they need to draft him early.
Free agency is an option considering the Cowboys have a generous amount of cap space to work with. Jermaine Kearse, Travis Benjamin, Marvin Jones and Rishard Matthews are all solid No.2 options that would not break the bank in Dallas. There is no doubting Bryant will return, but getting a nice No.2 receiver to run alongside him will be key.