“They need to get out of their comfort zone,” says Cowboys legend Dez Bryant, in response to the team’s recent actions.

“They Need to Get Out of Their Comfort Zone,” Says Cowboys Legend Dez Bryant, in Response to the Team’s Recent Actions

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. With a rich legacy of success and a passionate fanbase, the team’s every move is scrutinized. Every offseason, trade, draft pick, and roster decision is met with high expectations from both fans and analysts, and any sense of complacency is often met with frustration. Recently, the Cowboys have come under fire for some of their actions, or lack thereof, in terms of improving their roster and keeping up with the competition. Many have questioned whether the Cowboys are taking enough risks to truly build a Super Bowl-contending team.

One of the most vocal critics of the team’s recent approach has been Cowboys legend Dez Bryant. The former wide receiver, who played for Dallas from 2010 to 2017, is no stranger to high expectations and pressure to perform. A dynamic and passionate player during his career, Bryant’s leadership on the field was often as important as his playmaking ability. Now, as a retired player, Dez continues to voice his opinion on the Cowboys’ direction, and his recent remarks have captured the attention of the football world.

In response to the Cowboys’ most recent offseason decisions, including the team’s approach to free agency, the draft, and trade talks, Dez Bryant made a bold statement: “They need to get out of their comfort zone.” The phrase immediately sparked discussions about the Cowboys’ strategy and whether the team is truly doing everything it can to compete for championships.

This article will delve into Bryant’s comments, the context behind them, and what they reveal about the Cowboys’ current state. We will examine the team’s recent actions, how Bryant’s comments reflect both the team’s legacy and its current trajectory, and whether a shift in strategy is needed for Dallas to return to glory.

Dez Bryant’s Legacy with the Cowboys

Before diving into the meaning of Bryant’s comments, it’s important to understand the significance of Dez Bryant’s legacy with the Cowboys. Drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Bryant quickly became one of the league’s top wide receivers. His fiery personality, combined with his incredible ability to make spectacular catches, made him a fan favorite in Dallas. For many Cowboys fans, Bryant was a symbol of the team’s high expectations and its quest for a return to prominence.

During his eight seasons with the Cowboys, Bryant made three Pro Bowls and earned a reputation as one of the most dominant receivers in the league. His famous “X” celebration after touchdowns became a symbol of his on-field success and the Cowboys’ offense during his prime years. However, despite his individual success, Bryant’s career in Dallas was ultimately defined by the team’s inability to make a deep postseason run. The Cowboys made the playoffs in several seasons during Bryant’s tenure, but they were unable to advance past the Divisional Round in most of those appearances. His last season with the Cowboys was 2017, and while Bryant remained one of the league’s most dangerous receiving threats, his career with Dallas ended on a sour note after a contract dispute and a subsequent release.

Bryant’s time with the Cowboys was defined by high expectations but also by disappointment in terms of playoff success. This failure to break through in the postseason has shaped his perspective on the team’s current state. With the Cowboys still searching for a return to the Super Bowl, Bryant’s voice carries weight among the fanbase, as many remember his career as a symbol of both promise and unfulfilled potential.

The Comfort Zone: What Does It Mean for the Cowboys?

When Dez Bryant said, “They need to get out of their comfort zone,” his statement was both a critique and a call to action. For a franchise as iconic as the Cowboys, the “comfort zone” could be interpreted in several ways. It’s clear that Bryant believes the Cowboys have grown complacent with their current approach and that they are not taking enough risks to improve their roster and put themselves in a position to win championships.

In the context of the Cowboys’ recent decisions, Bryant’s comment might suggest a few things:

1. Playing It Safe in Free Agency

One of the most prominent criticisms of the Cowboys in recent years has been their relatively conservative approach to free agency. Unlike other teams in the NFL, who are willing to spend big money in order to land star players, the Cowboys have often refrained from making splash moves in the offseason. While Dallas has been able to re-sign key players and fill in gaps with solid depth acquisitions, they have rarely made the kinds of high-profile, game-changing moves that could dramatically shift the team’s fortunes.

In 2023, for example, the Cowboys made a few notable moves, such as trading for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore. While these additions were helpful, neither of them moved the needle significantly in the way that many fans were hoping for. The lack of a big-name acquisition, especially in a year when the Cowboys were once again seen as Super Bowl contenders, left some feeling underwhelmed.

Bryant’s comments suggest that the Cowboys need to be more aggressive and open to making bigger moves, whether that means signing a high-priced free agent, pursuing a game-changing trade, or even being more daring in their draft selections. The team, as it stands, may have all the pieces it needs to be competitive, but it may be missing that one big splash that could put them over the top.

2. Taking Risks in the Draft

Another area where the Cowboys may be operating within their “comfort zone” is the draft. While the Cowboys have been consistently strong at evaluating talent and drafting players, their selections have often been in line with safe, traditional picks rather than taking risks on high-upside prospects with uncertain ceilings.

In recent drafts, the Cowboys have bolstered their roster with reliable players who fit the team’s needs, such as offensive linemen and defensive players who can contribute right away. However, the team has not made many daring picks that could yield immediate, explosive returns. This approach is understandable, given the Cowboys’ desire to build a balanced and sustainable team. But Bryant’s call to “get out of the comfort zone” might be an appeal for the Cowboys to be more bold in their draft strategies. Instead of playing it safe with established positions of need, the Cowboys could take a calculated risk on a high-risk, high-reward prospect who could be a game-changer down the road.

3. Adjusting to Modern NFL Trends

One other interpretation of Bryant’s comment is that the Cowboys may be too slow to adjust to the changing dynamics of the NFL. The league has evolved in recent years, and offenses, in particular, have shifted toward a more pass-heavy, high-tempo style. While the Cowboys have traditionally relied on a strong defense and a powerful running game, they have sometimes been criticized for not fully embracing the offensive revolution that’s taken place in the NFL.

By continuing to prioritize a more balanced, conservative approach to offense, the Cowboys may be missing out on opportunities to fully capitalize on the talents of players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. As the NFL becomes more dynamic and explosive, Bryant’s comment could be an indication that the Cowboys need to take more risks in terms of offensive philosophy—whether it’s adapting to more innovative strategies, opening up the passing game, or finding ways to exploit mismatches in the modern game.

CeeDee Lamb’s Role in the Conversation

While Bryant’s comments were directed at the team as a whole, CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ star wide receiver, is often at the center of the conversation about Dallas’ future. As one of the team’s brightest young stars, Lamb’s opinion matters greatly, both to the fans and the players in the locker room.

Lamb has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Cowboys in 2020, and he has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. His chemistry with Dak Prescott and his ability to make big plays have made him the focal point of the Cowboys’ offense. As Bryant’s comments suggest, Lamb, too, may be feeling the pressure of unfulfilled expectations. With the Cowboys’ window for a championship rapidly closing, Lamb’s comments could reflect his own desire for the team to take more risks and step outside their comfort zone.

If the Cowboys are serious about contending for a Super Bowl, Lamb, as one of the team’s leaders, will need to be part of the discussion about how the team adapts and evolves. Lamb’s development as a player is key, but so too is the team’s willingness to take risks to put him in the best position to succeed.