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Report: Bryant no longer on front burner for Browns

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Signing free-agent wide receiver Dez Bryant is no longer the top priority for the Cleveland Browns, a source told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, and it's not simply because Josh Gordon announced his return to the team on Saturday.

Head coach Hue Jackson said on a conference call earlier Saturday that Gordon's return wouldn't take away from interest in Bryant.

"No, I think one has nothing to do with the other in my opinion," Jackson said. "Things will unfold as they will. The most important thing that we know is that Josh is here, and again, we have had a good conversation with Dez and until he's a Cleveland Brown, I only can worry about the guys who are on this football team."

Bryant visited the Browns late this week. The two sides reportedly plan to keep talking after their meeting concluded late Friday morning without a deal.

The three-time Pro Bowler is the biggest name among receivers on the free-agent market, but he totaled just 838 yards on 69 catches over 16 games in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys prior to his release.

The Browns could continue to seek depth options at wide receiver as concern lingers regarding Gordon, who has played just 10 games since the start of the 2014 season.

"I'm confident that he's here and I think that's the most important part,'' said Jackson. "You know, how long he stays, only Josh knows that, but I think he's in a much better place. I think we feel very good about where he is, but again, all those things, as you guys know, are always fluid. That's always a concern, but at the same time, we're here to support, help and try to create the right environments for Josh."

Jackson said "there's a good chance" Gordon will be ready for the team's season opener on Sept. 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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