Crayton Wants Out of Dallas

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Created on Friday, 28 May 2010 18:33

Last Updated on Thursday, 16 May 2013 07:51

Written by Travis Pulver

Patrick Crayton has not been able to really establish himself as a part of the Dallas offense since he joined the team in 2004. His best season came in 2007 when he made 50 catches for 697 yards and 7 touchdowns. Over the last two years he has seen his production fall to 39 and 37 catches, not even three a game.

With the emergence of Miles Austin, the drafting of Dez Bryant, and the refusal of the team to give up on Roy Williams it will be hard for anyone else to get much playing time unless someone gets hurt.

Crayton thinks the writing is on the wall and has asked the Cowboys to release him so that he will have time to catch on with another team.

To make his desire clear to the team, Crayton has been skipping the voluntary optional team activities while his agent tries to find him a new home. He has stated that he will be at any mandatory activities, but would rather not take part in too much until his status becomes clearer.

The Cowboys refused his request to be released after the team drafted Dez Bryant out of Oklahoma State in the first round of the 2010 draft. Dallas has expressed an interest in trading the 31 year old receiver if were not to be with the team for the 2010 season.

Crayton’s work ethic has never been in question since he came into the league in 2004 (when Dallas selected him in the 7th round). He got his chance to start when Terry Glenn went down with a knee injury in 2007. That opportunity returned when the Cowboys released Terrell Owens, but was short lived when Mile Austin emerged following his 250 yard performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.

While Roy Williams has not performed as expected, owner Jerry Jones has already said that the $12.9 million player is not in danger of being demoted. Last season Crayton only caught one less ball (37) than Williams (38) even though Williams was targeted 19 more times than Crayton. Williams had two more touchdowns than Crayton (7 to 5), but Crayton made more with his catches (622 yards to 596 for Williams).

Crayton would be an effective insurance policy if Williams fails to perform or if someone gets hurt. However, it is unlikely that the Cowboys would want such an expensive insurance policy.

Crayton is scheduled to make $2 million with the Dallas Cowboys this season.