Dez Bryant Signs Practice-Squad Contract With Ravens, Returns After 2 Year Absence

Dez Bryant (Photo: Getty Images)

On Tuesday, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and former three-time Pro Bowl, Dez Bryant, was signed by the Baltimore Ravens to their practice squad, as reported by the official NFL Twitter account.

This marks the first time Bryant, 31, will be in the league after a two-year absence.

Bryant had played for the Dallas Cowboys for eight seasons. During his time in Dallas, he had blossomed into a star wide receiver, having been selected to the Pro Bowl three times in 2013, 2014 and 2016. Bryant was released from the Cowboys back on April 13, 2018, after eight seasons with the team. The wide receiver left the team with 73 touchdowns and 531 receptions for a total of 7,459 yards.

Bryant had signed with the New Orleans Saints back in 2018, following his release from the Dallas Cowboys. However, his tenure with the Saints did not last, as he had torn his Achilles tendon during practice with the Saints. This unfortunate injury would lead to him being placed on the injury reserve, and he has not played since. Since then, he has not been signed with any team. Despite this, Bryant was motivated to prepare for a comeback and has been training to get back into the league.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

There are some concerns about signing Bryant – his age is one – he will soon be 32-years old. Another is that he has not played in the league for two years. Especially, since he had torn his Achilles tendon, will he be able to return to his Pro Bowl form?

Bryant will be given the opportunity to show that he still has the ability to play in the league. A practice-squad contract allows Bryant to work out with the Ravens and will see if he is a good fit with the team.

If he impresses the team then, he will be able to play with the reigning NFL MVP, Lamar Jackson. Furthermore, it would bolster the Ravens passing offense and allow Jackson to have more options to throw. It would make the Ravens more lethal as they are currently second in the AFC North with a 5-1 record. Bryant would add a veteran presence for the Raven’s young core.