Dez Bryant Eyeing Possible Cowboys Reunion

It has been two full seasons since Dez Bryant last played in an NFL game, but the 31-year-old former Cowboys star believes he still has something left in the tank. And he would like a chance to prove it in Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys’ vice president Stephen Jones reports that Bryant has personally reached out to him about returning to the team in 2020.

“He has texted me that he would like to come back” Jones told the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Jones went on to say “We have nothing but great respect for Dez and what he accomplished here. Certainly, as we look forward into the future we look at all opportunities and all potential players that could maybe help us out.”

While Jones did not rule out a reunion with Bryant, it was left unsaid that such a deal would require a team-friendly contract in order to become a reality. The Cowboys’ top two priorities this off-season are signing quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper to long term extensions. Both deals, if completed, would likely make Prescott and Cooper among the top 5 highest paid players in the league at their position.

Those potential deals, along with extensions signed by Ezekiel Elliott, Jaylon Smith, and La’el Collins prior to the 2019 season will leave the Cowboys with limited cap space that could be used on bringing in veteran players. If Bryant is serious about a return to Dallas, it may be necessary that he agrees to a one-year contract at or near the league minimum salary in order to prove himself.

No Hard Feelings?

A reunion between the Cowboys and Bryant would be especially intriguing given his less than amicable departure from the team following the 2017 season. The team released the 3 time Pro Bowler in April of 2018 after negotiations failed on a contract extension. Bryant later took to Twitter to bash the Cowboys’ playcalling, along with accusing former teammates of playing a role in his release.

It is unclear whether Bryant is still capable of producing anywhere near the level that the Cowboys grew accustomed to early in his career. His receiving statistics in his final three seasons with the team were significantly lower than the previous four seasons.

A variety of factors contributed to Bryant’s drop in production. He suffered a foot injury in 2015 and a knee injury in 2016, both of which caused him to miss significant time. The Cowboys also leaned on the run game more heavily in 2016 and 2017. Looking forward, however, the current Cowboys offense looks much different than the one Bryant previously played in. Under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Prescott set career highs in pass attempts, yards, and touchdowns.

A more pass-oriented offense could very well suit Bryant as a second or third option on the field. Bryant even said he should play the same role Jason Witten played in the 2019 season. He also recently stated he would be content with a smaller role than he has known in the past. The Cowboys could find themselves in need of help at wide receiver, as Cooper, Randall Cobb, and Tavon Austin will all become free agents this off-season unless they sign extensions.

Wrap Up

In addition to his injuries with the Cowboys, Bryant suffered an Achilles injury in practice with the New Orleans Saints in 2018. His health will remain a major question mark going forward. In all likelihood, we have seen the last of Dez Bryant in the silver and blue of the Dallas Cowboys. However, the Cowboys are in win-now mode and if anyone is unpredictable enough to take a gamble on Bryant’s health and put the past aside, it is Jerry Jones.

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