This writer knows what you're thinking.

"This is madness and makes no sense."

"Why trade away your best wide receiver?"

Wide receiver Dez Bryant has put up some of the best numbers in the National Football League over the last two seasons, and he still has one year remaining on his rookie contract. There's absolutely no denying he's earned the right to a large bonus, whether it comes before the 2014 NFL season or the next offseason.

But for the Dallas Cowboys, the question arises: why re-sign Bryant to a large long-term NFL contract?

This Cowboys defense is historically bad. Last season, the Cowboys defense was so bad it was the third-worst defense in NFL history, behind only the 1981 Baltimore Colts and the 2012 New Orleans Saints. The Cowboys ranked No. 27 in rush defense, No. 30 in pass defense and No. 32 overall in total defense last season.

Despite having a great offense with Bryant on the field, the Cowboys can't make the playoffs. All four seasons that Bryant has been with Dallas, the team has failed to make the postseason. Is that Bryant's fault? No, but it means the Cowboys should focus more on the defensive side of the ball. Quarterback Tony Romo is already one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, and rightfully so, according to his statistics year in and year out. With a huge contract to Bryant, Jerry Jones won't be able to improve that defense for years to come.

The Cowboys should know more about trading away a superstar player than anyone else.

In 1989, the Cowboys traded away running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings. Everyone criticized the decision and called it "crazy" at the time. In return, the Cowboys received five players and eight draft picks. The Vikings got their superstar player, but the Cowboys got by far more in return. With so many draft picks and players acquired, the Cowboys could build a great offense and defense. They would go on to win three Super Bowls in four years.

Does Bryant re-signing with the Cowboys really change anything? Are they suddenly a "playoff team" with Bryant's return?

The Cleveland Browns recently found out star wide receiver Josh Gordon will be missing the entire 2014 season. Gordon has had multiple issues off the field, so his future in the NFL is still a mystery. Could the Cowboys offer Bryant to the Browns in exchange for a boat load of draft picks and defensive players? Of course they could. Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer are sitting ducks in the pocket with no top tier wide out to throw to.

Over the last two seasons, Bryant has accumulated 25 total touchdowns. His receptions and touchdowns have both increased every season he's played. There's no doubt the man can play, and play very well. However, the harsh reality is that he holds no value for this team. Why pay top dollar for a wide receiver when your defense is the worst in the league and you haven't made the playoffs in four years?

The Cowboys could get huge trade value for Bryant. Keeping him wouldn't be the biggest mistake in the world, but it only restricts them from fixing their horrid defense. The NFL has by far the strictest salary cap rules in all of sports. Winning a game 13-10 might not be as entertaining as losing 51-48 (see Week 5 against Broncos), but it definitely increases your odds of playing in January.

Most likely, Jones will re-sign Bryant to a long-term contract at some point this season. Bryant has earned it, but the Cowboys would be better off trading Bryant and getting great value in return.

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