Steve Smith offers accurate take on Dez Bryant

The Carolina Panthers legend offered his take on whether Bryant would be finding a home anytime soon….

It is only fitting that former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. being on Inside the NFL and Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys coincided in the same week. Making his debut on the program, Smith offered his thoughts on whether former Cowboys wideout Dez Bryant would be signed by a team.

"“I do not think that Dez Bryant will be on a team this year, not because he’s not good enough, but because the schedules are set.   Teams know what they’re going to do and they’re going into the week’s game planning. To get a Dez Bryant up to speed – will they get their return on investment? I don’t think that teams are willing to do that.”"

First, let me start by saying that I agree with Smith here. It is very late to be introducing players to new systems. Especially now, when cut day has just passed and teams have just formulated their 53-man rosters, signing him now we be a difficult proposition. Teams have already worked hard enough to get the players they are keeping on their roster up to speed. They certainly do not need (if they can help it) a guy who remains unsigned to come in and tinker with the gameplan.

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Back in April, I floated the idea around of him possibly joining the Carolina Panthers. Although it was a nice dream to have, readers and I came to the conclusion that he would want too much money. Especially when his production has dipped over the past couple of years, he would not be worth the type of money he would probably ask for.

To his credit, his appearance on HBO’s Hard Knocks helped change my perceptions of him. He was very honest with Hue Jackson and said that he just wanted to win. While that may have been a case of telling the coach what he wants to hear, I was nevertheless encouraged by it. Maybe if push came to shove, he would take less money in favor of having the chance to play.

Either way, because these words came out of Steve Smith’s mouth, there should be a bit of credence to them. It would be different if he was a scrub. However, he proved time and time again that he was one of the best in the business. Watching the show, I felt like he was a welcome addition, and if he started this week delivering this scorching take, I can’t wait to see what else he has in store. Smith was never afraid to deliver an honest take and he does not appear to be stopping now.