Dez Bryant is finally headed to Cleveland to take a visit with the Browns (apparently he returned John Dorsey’s calls after all), and “Hard Knocks” might have something to do with his apparent change of heart.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com wrote Sunday that, “A source told cleveland.com that the premiere of HBO’s Hard Knocks may have inspired Bryant to make the visit.”
If you caught the first episode, then you probably understand why Bryant would be intrigued to play for the Browns this year. In particular, receiver Jarvis Landry’s speech about practice and intensity likely spoke to Bryant, because that’s exactly the same kind of passion he’s displayed over the course of his NFL career, too.
As for how Bryant might fit with the team, head coach Hue Jackson addressed that on Sunday as well.
“It’s a discussion,” he said. “We have a lot of good things going, but at the same time I don’t think you can ever have too many good football players as long as they fit and as long as it’s the right fit for the organization, for the locker room and for all involved.”
For what it’s worth, Bryant might not be a great fit in Cleveland unless he’s really willing to take a back seat and be a complementary player. The team already has a go-to possession receiver in Landry, who led the league in receptions last year and appears to be Tyrod Taylor’s favorite target. The Browns also have deep speed with Antonio Callaway and (assuming he comes back soon) Josh Gordon.
With that in mind, Bryant will have to really make an adjustment to how he perceives his fit on a team if he’s going to join the Browns.