Dez Bryant: Baltimore Ravens set to sign wide receiver to practice squad

The Baltimore Ravens have signed free agent wide receiver Dez Bryant to their practice squad, according to NFL Network. 

Bryant's last game in the NFL was in December 2017 when the Dallas Cowboys beat the Philadelphia 6-0 as he finished the season with 69 catches for 838 and six touchdowns.

The 31-year-old is eyeing a return to action after tearing his right Achilles tendon two days after signing for the New Orleans Saints on a one-year deal in November 2018.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection worked out with the Ravens in August this past offseason, however no deal was agreed.

Having been drafted by the Cowboys with the No 24 overall pick in 2010, Bryant went on to register 531 receptions for 7,459 yards and a franchise-best 73 touchdown catches in 113 games before being released in April 2018.

'I guarantee Bryant will make active roster'

Reacting to Bryant's addition to the Ravens' practice squad on Good Morning Football, Peter Schrager said: "Let's say he does get on to the active roster, on 3rd-and-3, throw that little alley-oop pass and Dez Bryant is catching that over every single cornerback in the league.

"I don't care if he's 250 lbs and can't run anymore, he's still Dez Bryant, still has that height, still has that physicality.

"There is a role for him in this offence, but it's not as the No 1 receiver, probably not the No 2, and I'd even be surprised if he's the No 3 at this point."

Former NFL receiver Nate Burleson added: "He [Bryant] has never been a blazer. He has always been a really good route-runner, who uses his body to catch the ball. If you throw a fade ball, he's going to go up and get it.

"I guarantee he's going to make the active roster. I'm not sure what he's going to do when he gets on it, but he's a great compliment.

"You've got Marquise Brown, who is the fast guy, so you've got someone who can take the top off the coverage and then you put Bryant's big frame in the slot against small DBs, he's going to win that every time."

Marquise Brown is currently the Ravens' leading receiver with 26 catches for 376 yards and a touchdown, followed by tight end Mark Andrews who has hauled in 20 passes for 243 yards and five scores.

The remainder of targets have been spread between the likes of Willie Snead, Miles Boykin and Devin Duvernay, while the Ravens are ranked No 3 in rushing offense thanks the efforts of Lamar Jackson and a committee backfield consisting of Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and rookie J.K. Dobbins.

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