'Bachelor' Host -- I Want Dez Bryant ... To Be Next 'Bachelor'

"The Bachelor" host Chris Harrison tells TMZ Sports he has a job for Dez Bryant next year if the Cowboys don't pay up ... handing out roses to thirsty co-eds as the next "Bachelor"!!

Harrison was freezing his butt off in NYC (we love you, L.A.) when our camera guy asked if there was an ideal pro athlete who could take over the lead role for next season.

It's not a crazy question ... considering the show has featured several athletes in prior seasons including football player Jesse Palmer, soccer stud Juan Pablo Galavis, and baseball pro Josh Murray.

Check out the clip -- Chris has a fresh, new and slightly more chocolate idea for the show ... saying that Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant -- and his killer abs -- would be perfect for the next installment.

Jerry, dig deep into your wallet ... 'cause this isn't a half bad idea.