Ex-Cowboys Receiver Dez Bryant Exploring Return to NFL

FRISCO - Dez Bryant's credentials are beyond reproach. If his "want-to'' is the same—and if it's shared by an NFL team—we may be on the verge of seeing his return to the field.

“I’m not trying to go nowhere and be a starter on a team,'' the former Cowboys receiver tweeted on Wednesday evening. "I want to contribute because I know I will be able to. I’m feeling good. In two weeks I’m going to reach out to teams and see what happens. Let’s go X.”

Bryant, who just turned 31, hasn’t played since December 2017. He was primed for a return to the NFL last November, but after one day with the Saints he tore his Achilles in practice.

There is wisdom in Dez announcing that he's not demanding to be a starter; while he was a Pro Bowl talent in Dallas, there are surely some teams that will continue to wonder if his "passion'' is a "distraction.'' Therefore, making it clear this isn't about ego is important. Bryant, beyond the social-media videos showing his workouts, will have to establish with an NFL team that he's healthy, in shape, and willing to help.

Will there be a reunion with Dallas? Smart money says that ship has sailed. With another team? Bryant's tweet contains an acknowledgement of a reality there. Dez is the Cowboys’ all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 73, and in his stellar career has 531 career receptions for 7,459 yards. But his pronouncement comes across as a humble probe, not a cocky brag.

Dez, given where we know he is in his life as a father and as a businessman, seems prepared for whatever answer comes his way.