Will Dez Bryant Play in the 2019 NFL Season?
For a few seasons, Dez Bryant was one of the NFL’s premier receivers. Each week he’d display his incredible athleticism, making great catches that defied the laws of physics for America’s most famous team – the Dallas Cowboys.
Then, just like that, he found himself out of a job.
Bryant has yet to play another down since being cut by the Cowboys. Now there are rumors he may return to the team. Will he play in the 2019 NFL season?
Dez Bryant’s career to this point
Dallas drafted Bryant with the 24th overall pick of the 2010 Draft. Over the next eight seasons he made quite a mark on the league, including some of these accomplishments:
- 531 receptions
- 7,549 receiving yards
- An average of 66 receiving yards a game
- An average of 14 yards per reception
- 2014 AP All-Pro selection
- Three-time Pro Bowl selection
While Bryant had some great seasons with the Cowboys, his final season may have shown evidence of his decline. He had only 868 receiving yards despite playing a full season. After being cut by Dallas, Bryant joined the New Orleans Saints in 2018 only to suffer a season-ending injury during practice. He never even got the opportunity to put the Saints uniform on for an official game.
Now that Bryant is healthy, two big questions linger on the horizon: does he want to play and will anyone be interested in his services?
Dez Bryant’s desire to play in 2019
Bryant recently took to Twitter to post videos of him training as a part of his comeback. It’s apparent he wants back in the NFL. He also had comments about a potential return to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
“I have to (play again). I got business and I got ball…I can’t end like this. I have to throw the X up.”
Bryant’s desire to end his career on a good note is clear. Now he has to figure out where he can make this happen.
Possible landing spots for Dez Bryant
Bryant is no longer a viable option to be the top receiving option for a team. With this in mind, there appear to be three possible landing spots for Bryant. Let’s go over the teams that would make the most sense for Bryant.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints already tried Bryant once and fate intervened. It would make sense to give it another shot.
This would be a great fit for Bryant. The Saints’ passing game is loaded with talented pass catchers. Not to mention, Drew Brees is as reliable at delivering the ball as they come. If Bryant’s looking for a low-pressure place to find a spot, New Orleans is the one.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are coming off a playoff appearance. While QB Russell Wilson has to be feeling good after receiving a big contract extension this offseason, his offense could always use more weapons. No doubt, having Bryant as a veteran presence to stretch the field could help.
Dallas Cowboys
While Dallas may be the most pressure-filled place for Bryant to end up, it would also bring his return full-circle. This time around expectations would be lowered as Bryant would no longer be the number one option in the passing game – that honor will fall to Amari Cooper. He’ll also command a significantly lower salary.
Bryant called Dallas home for eight seasons. Being able to return to form – and possibly help bring his old team a championship – would be a fitting way for the vet to ride off into the sunset. It’s not clear how much longer Bryant may have in the league, but capping his career with a Cowboys championship would have to be the sweetest way to end it.
The bottom line is that Bryant’s comeback will hinge on his health. If he can maintain a fraction of the explosiveness that he had while he was playing, he could remain a viable option for a contending team at wide receiver.
