Dez Bryant Signing is Big for the Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are the first NFL team to lock up its first round pick.

The Cowboys have signed Oklahoma State product Dez Bryant to a five-year, $11.8 million deal, with some undisclosed performance-based incentives as well.

Bryant worked out with the Cowboys prior to being drafted, and it was no secret that Dallas had every intention of acquiring the talented receiver.

Bryant stressed the fact that he wanted to get a deal done prior to the squad's first practice, and with this contract, he has been a man of his word.

Bryant is a noteworthy boost to an already talented Cowboys offense.

Tony Romo is coming off his third Pro-Bowl in three and a half seasons as a starter, while receiver Miles Austin is coming off a breakout year where he had 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Austin was a no-brainer for the Pro Bowl in 2009.

While Roy Williams again had some disappointing statistics in a ‘Boys jersey, he should be a competent No. 3 receiver, which is what he will eventually be in reality, regardless what the depth chart says.

Despite early offseason disputes, it appears that the Cowboys will not lose a receiver in Patrick Crayton.

Crayton is coming off strong 2009 campaign for a receiver who sees limited balls thrown to him, with 622 yards and five touchdowns on just 37 catches.

While he did not have any record-breaking performances, Kevin Ogletree showed some promise as a rookie, and some argue that he could pass up either Crayton or Williams on the depth chart in the near future.

The main idea here is that each of the aforementioned receivers has their own strengths to help this offense.

Austin and Bryant are big physical receivers, with a propensity to break tackles and get yards after the catch.

Roy Williams is around the same size as well, and while he has not lived up to his potential for a couple seasons, at the very least he is a reliable red zone threat due to his height.

Crayton is a solid route runner with good hands, so while he may have limited opportunities, it is quite characteristic of him to make the most of every single catch.

Finally, Ogletree is a speedy receiver who knows how to make defenders miss tackles.

Granted, he does not receive too much credit yet, but from what he has shown thus far, he has plenty of potential.

The main reason the signing of Dez Bryant is huge is that very few teams will have the luxury of being able to double team Miles Austin.

Quite a few naysayers were calling for a noticeable drop off in Austin’s production this season, but the addition of a similar player in Dez Bryant should help to propel Austin to new levels.

Let us also not forget that the run game is rock solid as well, with Felix Jones presumably handling the majority of the load this year.

Tashard Choice has always performed admirably in limited or relief duty, while Marion Barber should at least be an effective goal-line back.

Will we see the first team to ever earn a home-field Super Bowl advantage this year?

Let us not jump the gun, but it is hard to deny that the Cowboys have solidified themselves as one of the most potent offenses heading into the 2010-11 season.