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The Dallas Cowboys are down to the 11th hour. If Dez Bryant doesn’t sign a contract by Wednesday, the only way he can play for the team this season is under the $12.8 million franchise tag.
However, he’s made it clear he has no intention of signing that tender and has threatened to skip training camp and sit out regular season games if he doesn’t get a long-term deal.
By now, you’re familiar with all the ins and outs of that situation, so let’s cut to the chase: The Cowboys may choose to bring in some veteran help during Dez’s absence if he does indeed miss time. There aren’t many options available, but there are three names at which Tony Romo probably wouldn’t scoff.
Reggie Wayne
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY SportsBy far the best option for the Cowboys is Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, who doesn’t appear headed back to Indy. Wayne has been the go-to guy on a winning team for the better part of the past decade and he has experience at both the X and Z receiver positions. He could step in to Bryant’s spot opposite Terrance Williams and keep the wheels on the bus from falling off in the interim while allowing Dallas to keep its current lineup set for the most part.
James Jones
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY SportsHe set career highs in targets and receptions in his only season with the Raiders and James Jones is a veteran talented enough to be a serviceable No. 2 or No. 3 option for Romo with Williams and Cole Beasley stepping up big time in Bryant’s absence. Jones looks like a Z receiver at first glance, and he’s played plenty of Z, but he’s also played X and has had enough success there to temporarily fill that spot for the Cowboys.
Wes Welker
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY SportsHonestly, the only reason Welker is listed here is because of his name. He’s a slot receiver with great past success in the NFL and, while he could potentially play some Z if need be, he certainly can’t play X and moving Williams to X – even just temporarily – isn’t something the Cowboys want to do. Of course, if Bryant is gone for an extended period and Welker is available, Dallas would have to at least kick the tires on the little man with the giant helmet.
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