Dez Bryant spent eight seasons dazzling the fans of the Dallas Cowboys. The 24th overall pick of the 2010 NFL draft made three Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro (2014) while setting the franchise record for receiving touchdowns with 73.
Unfortunately in 2018, after failing to reach 1,000 yards for the third consecutive season since he signed his five-year, $70 million dollar deal, Bryant was released from the Cowboys. He was out of the NFL for two years before signing with the Baltimore Ravens back in October, and now he’s an unrestricted free agent.
Bryant made it clear last month that he plans on playing two more seasons before hanging up the cleats for good. Just a few days ago, he named the Arizona Cardinals as a destination he could see himself playing at. However, predictably, the question of him returning to the Cowboys was asked, and Bryant gave an interesting answer.
“I’ll tell you this, if it was possible, of course, I’d be open to it if it was possible,” Bryant said, via TMZ Sports. “For the most part, I understand what they’ve got going on over there, and I think what they’re doing is beautiful. I’m happy that they paid Dak (Prescott), that was very important. I’m a big chemistry guy, I’m not so much hyped on talent. I love what they’ve got going on.”
A little over a year ago, when Bryant was still looking to get back into the league, he expressed interest in a possible reunion with the Cowboys, stating how he’d love to play alongside the firepower they have offensively, but in a different role than he did before, which makes his willingness to return to Dallas not all that surprising.
Bryant’s departure from the Cowboys wasn’t a smooth one. Shortly after his release, he put out a tweet saying “it’s personal” between himself and the Cowboys organization. Back in December, however, Bryant’s tone was different before he was set to face his former team.
“For the most part, it’s water under the bridge,” Bryant said. “That’s two years. I had time to get myself together. You got to go forward with life because life isn’t going to wait on you. Time waits on no one. I had to get myself together and move forward.”
The relationship between Bryant and Team Owner Jerry Jones has always been good, and it continued even after the former first-rounder was let go. When Bryant made his return to the NFL, Jones was very excited for his former receiver as he told 105.3 The Fan before the Cowboys faced the Ravens.
“Dez has an eternal light of good,” Jones said. “If you love a competitor, or if you love somebody that his whole being is about getting to compete. He’s got his teammate’s best interests, great teammate. Dez is a eternal light of positiveness for our game. I couldn’t be happier to see him on the field. Now, I’m going to be a little worried because I do know how that rascal can go up there and get a ball.”
A second stint with the Cowboys for Bryant might be unlikely, but the thought of him throwing up the X once more at AT&T Stadium is an intriguing one.
