'Showtime!' Dallas Cowboys Beat Out 2 Other Bidders To Sign Martavis Bryant; Dez Reacts
FRISCO - Martavis Bryant is signing with the Dallas Cowboys, a move that counts as both a "long shot'' and a "temporary win'' for "America's Team.''
Why a "long shot''? Despite Cowboys COO Stephen Jones' characterization of Bryant as "a big, strong, fast receiver that we'll certainly take a look at,'' Bryant, 31, hasn't played in an NFL game since 2018 due to a long-term NFL suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Why a "win''? Because had Dallas not scooped him up, according to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz, the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions were each in line to do so.
Former Dallas standout receiver Dez Bryant (no relation) is raving about the move, which will see the 6-4, 210-pound Martavis begin on the Cowboys practice squad.
From Dez: "This was a great pickup - Rare talent! Give him 3 weeks and it’s showtime!''
Outside of the "rare talent'' part - Martavis looked like a possible breakout star when he scored 15 TDs in his first two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers - we have no idea if the rest of that is true about the former fourth-round pick. The Cowboys have obviously worked through behavioral concerns to their satisfaction, and Bryant has seemingly shown a desire to fight his way back, having been willing to play in the Canadian Football League, the Indoor Football League, Fan Controlled Football, and the XFL.
But one of the reasons we tap the brakes: The recent Cowboys involvement with Antonio Calloway, who signed with Dallas late last year under similar circumstances and similar excitement. But Callaway never rose above the practice squad, and when he was arrested in the spring for alleged habitual traffic violations, the Cowboys cut him.
Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys haven't received significant contributions from their wide receivers. Michael Gallup has yet to find the end zone with just 243 yards, and the recently acquired Brandin Cooks has barely factored into the offense with 17 catches for 165 yards and two scores.
Bryant could conceivably provide another option down the stretch for Dak Prescott if he earns a roster spot.
