Dez Bryant has been waiting for another chance to return to the NFL, now it could be coming with the Baltimore Ravens.
Bryant, who last played in the 2017 season, has spent more than a year training for one final shot at making an impact for an NFL team. That opportunity has finally arrived with the Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens interested in Dez Bryant, bringing him in for workout
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former Dallas Cowboys star is headed to Baltimore this week to take part in a workout. It could be just the first of several chances for Bryant to prove himself, with several NFL teams reportedly interested.
The 31-year-old receiver nearly made it back to the NFL in 2018 with the New Orleans Saints. He signed with the club in November but suffered a torn Achilles in practice days later. Bryant, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, vowed to return to the gridiron.
He started running again in May 2019, working his way back from an injury that can often end or forever alter careers. He hoped to return to the NFL during the 2019 season, but the calls never came.
When the Cowboys fired head coach Jason Garrett this offseason, some speculated that a reunion could be possible for Bryant in Dallas. He campaigned for the team to re-sign him and owner Jerry Jones said the team considered bringing him back, but nothing ever came of it.
Instead, Bryant will now have the chance to prove himself for one of the NFL’s best teams. Given the Ravens have also been linked to Antonio Brown, it’s clear the organization is willing to take on risk to help put more talent around Lamar Jackson.
Dez Bryant’s stats show impact he could make
While we haven’t seen Bryant on an NFL field in a few years, the 31-year-old still has some talent left in the tank. He can still make some incredible one-handed catches and his workout videos showcase a player who is ready to prove himself.
While his time in Dallas might have ended on a sour note, the former first-round pick still produced. He hauled in 69 receptions for 838 receiving yards and six touchdowns during the 2017 season, while hauling in 44 first-down conversions.
Across eight seasons in Dallas, Bryant recorded 531 catches for 7,459 receiving yards and 73 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 14 yards per catch.
The 6-foot-2 receiver might no longer have his peak athleticism, but his hands and size would make him a trusted targeted in the red zone and on 50-50 throws. Given he’ll also likely cost an incentive-heavy, one-year contract, the reward likely outweighs any risk.