Former Cowboys star Dez Bryant could’ve had a home by now. Instead, he stands in NFL free agency limbo — and that’s a little puzzling to some in the Cowboys family.
The Pro Bowl receiver, who was released in April after eight seasons in Dallas, remains without a team as he continues to seek a one-year deal to prove his worth after three modest seasons. The 29-year-old reportedly received a multi-year deal offer from the Ravens but passed on it in search for a one-year, prove-it deal.
Cowboys legend Troy Aikman admitted he was a “little surprised” Bryant hasn’t struck a deal anywhere yet, but he thinks he’ll end up signing someplace soon.
“I think he’s highly motivated to show people he’s still got some years left, very productive years and that should help him get prepared for this season and go out and play at a high level,” he told the Dallas Morning News.
Former teammate Cole Beasley called it the “dumbest thing” he’s heard that no team will sign Bryant to a minimum-contract deal.
“I don’t know if it’s just rumors going around, what he is off the field or in the locker room. Dez was always a great teammate to me, and he did want to see other guys succeed,” Beasley said. “Every wide receiver wants the rock. And he’s so passionate it may come off the wrong way to some people.
Cole Beasley and Dez BryantGetty Images“He definitely still has it. He’s got all the tools. Now he has a chip on his shoulder. He’s an animal already. It’s scary. If he gets to another team and he gets that shot, I promise you he’s gonna be ready. He’s a very supportive dude and a good friend off the field. I talk to him all the time.”
Bryant pitched his services to the Giants and was seen training with friend Odell Beckham, but that rumor was quickly squashed. With Bryant now nearly a month into his Cowboys exit and the draft two weeks behind us, the Giants do not appear to be alone in their hesitancy.
The Cowboys went through an organization makeover this offseason by cutting ties with Bryant, a move that saved them $8.5 million, and star tight end Jason Witten retiring last week.
