Dez Bryant says that a group of players he referred to as “Garrett guys” played a large role in the Cowboys releasing him. The team’s scouting chief says otherwise.

During an appearance on ESPN 105.3, Will McClay, Dallas’ assistant director of player personnel, said the decision was based solely on Bryant’s on-field production.

Via the Star-Telegram:

“It was a collective deal,” McClay said. “The (inability) to win one-on-one, to win down field. There was inconsistency as well as some huge things in his play. So what’s best moving forward for Dez Bryant the Cowboys, we just made that decision. It’s a production-based business.”

The film backs up McClay’s comments. Bryant struggled to consistently create seperation, particularly on vertical routes. There was just too much of this…

Making matters worse, Bryant dropped far too many passes in 2017. The $8.5 million Dallas saved by releasing him was difficult to pass up for a plodding receiver with unreliable hands.

For a more modest salary, Bryant could be a valuable asset for a team, and Tony Romo gave him a pretty good endorsement.