Cowboy’s receiver Antonio Bryant was traded Monday to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for receiver Quincy Morgan.
It is the first time that Dallas has traded a player during the season since the Herschel Walker trade in 1989 that netted Dallas 5 players and 6 draft picks.
Bryant, who has had a tumultuous season this year, never seemed to be on the same page with head coach Bill Parcells.
During training camp this summer, Bryant had a run-in with Parcells. Unhappy with his position as the third wide receiver, Bryant exploded one afternoon and when Parcells approached him about getting back to work, Bryant threw his jersey in Parcells’ face.
Bryant was escorted from the field and was not allowed back at Valley Ranch until training camp.
After a private meeting with Parcells, Bryant rejoined the team.
Many people questioned the wisdom of retaining Bryant after the incident, saying that allowing him to return to the team at that point set a bad precedent.
But Bryant’s discontent appeared to remain, causing the Cowboys to seek another player who could step in.
Enter Quincy Morgan, with one more year of experience than Bryant and a Garland, TX, native.
"We thought Quincy's temperament might have a better chance to fit what we want to do," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. "You're trying to get as good a fit as you can get with your players."
"That includes on and off the field, that includes next week, our competition over the next 10, 11 weeks and the competition going into the future. ... This gives us an opportunity to get a long-term player at the receiver position."
The deal could only be completed after Morgan agreed to a one-year extension. He will earn %560,000 this year and will have a base salary of $750,000 in 2005 with a $250,000 roster bonus.
In six games this season, Morgan caught nine passes for 144 yards and three touchdowns for the Browns. In contrast, Bryant caught 16 passes for 266 yards and no touchdowns.
Bryant had been upset over a lack of playing time behind Keyshawn Johnson. Morgan, who has started 46 of 54 career games, says he has no problem accepting that role.
"I think it's going to be great playing for Coach Parcells," Morgan said. "He's the type of coach that what he says goes. He's won Super Bowls. You've got to listen to a coach like that. I'm not going to come in and bump heads."
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