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Although he’s already 31 years old and hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2017, Dez Bryant has been hinting at an NFL comeback for the past few years, posting pictures/videos of him working out and doing what he can to campaign for an opportunity to prove he can still be productive. Well, Thursday at least opened up the possibility of completing a comeback, as the former first-round pick was signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, per Ian Rapoport.
The #Ravens plan to sign veteran WR Dez Bryant to the practice squad if his workout goes well and he passes a physical, source said. Baltimore previously worked out Bryant in August, so this is more of a check-in. He should land in Baltimore, finally.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 22, 2020
A three-time Pro Bowler during his eight years with the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant found himself on the street after the team released him in April of 2018. That led the wideout to the New Orleans Saints, who signed Bryant to a one-year deal midway through the 2018 NFL season, giving him a “prove it” contract prior to hitting free-agency after the season.
In a major twist of bad luck, Dez tore his Achilles in practice just two days after signing with New Orleans, leading to his release and questions about his football future. But the Ravens are at least giving him an opportunity, not only working the mercurial wide receiver out, but adding him to their practice squad.
Given his status during his time in the league, it’s not surprising to see some of the reactions on Twitter from NFL fans after seeing Dez sign with the Ravens’ practice squad. Take a look below at what people had to say.
https://twitter.com/Wentz2Sanders/status/1319302163772964864?s=20
Are y’all forgetting Dez hasn’t played since 2017?
— Matt (@matt_6382) October 22, 2020
ravens going all in.
its now or nevermore pic.twitter.com/hxcxEEQJxb
— calhoun (@calhounlink) October 22, 2020
— Southwell (@JustinSouthwell) October 22, 2020
Bro hasn’t been good since 2014. Chill
— DOOPeroni and Cheese (@WhatsUpBigMan) October 22, 2020
He would be our second best WR behind Hollywood on this team lol
— Mo (@LamarHeisman) October 22, 2020
No point Lamar cant throw lol and he just runs like he’s a running back
— 215_luisgonzalez (@215luisgonzalez) October 22, 2020
Remember, Dez Bryant isn’t on the Ravens’ official roster, just the practice squad, so who knows if this leads to him fully completing an NFL comeback. With Baltimore looking for more weapons for reigning MVP Lamar Jackson to throw to, Bryant may prove himself a worthy candidate; assuming he’s healthy, motivated and hasn’t lost a step. But this is what he’s been working towards for the past two years, so it’s doubtful he’ll ruin the chance he’s been given.
In his final season with the Cowboys in 2017, Dez played all 16 games and caught 69 balls for 838 yards and six touchdowns. While those aren’t Pro Bowl numbers, if he does make the Ravens’ roster and can put up anything near that, it’s sure to give opposing defenses more nightmares when trying to game plan against Jackson and Baltimore’s offense.