According to reports on coming from the ESPN network (no web link yet), the
Browns have traded WR Quincy Morgan to the Dallas Cowboys for WR Antonio Bryant.
Morgan is in his fourth season, and Bryant in his third year. The information
was provided first outside of ESPN's TV reports on the
BerniesInsiders.com Tipline.
Antonio Bryant preceded Larry Fitzgerald as an NFL-quality receiver at the
University of Pittsburgh, and demonstrated it his rookie year, when he finished
with 44 receptions and 733 yards - 139 more than the next-closest rookie (Donte Stallworth). Bryant's production fell off during his second year, however,
declining to 39 catches for 550 yards and two touchdowns.
Bryant has also found himself in Head Coach Bill Parcell's doghouse,
particularly following an altercation earlier in this summer where Bryant was
escorted from the Cowboys practice field after throwing a jersey in Parcells
face and challenging him to a fight. Bryant found himself falling to third on
the depth chart at WR in 2004, and was clearly unhappy.
Quincy Morgan is also a high-potential athlete who has failed to attain the
level of play hoped for him when he was drafted. Morgan is in his fourth season,
after which he can be eligible for unrestricted free agency. The Kansas State
product has developed a reputation as being prone to drop passes while in
Cleveland, and has found himself the target of fewer and fewer passes as the
2004 season has developed.
The deal obviously is slanted towards giving two talented athletes a
potential fresh start in a new environment. Look for more from Bernie's Insiders
as the deal is confirmed through official sources and more information becomes
available.
- Barry