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Baltimore Ravens: Should they revisit idea of signing Dez Bryant?

By Jake McDonnell

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys runs onto the field prior to their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 17: Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys runs onto the field prior to their NFL game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 17, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during warmups before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during warmups before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

The argument against it:

Although Ravens fans would welcome Bryant to Baltimore with open arms for a number of reasons, there’s a lot of baggage with the three-time Pro Bowler. Look at his production since his career year in 2014. Bryant posted 16 touchdowns that season, but since then he’s scored 17 total and failed to reach 1,000 yards.

Bryant did start all 16 games in 2017, but in ’15 and ’16 he dealt with injuries to his knees, ankles, feet, and back. These injuries caused Bryant to miss 10 combined games in those two seasons. All of the ailments, particularly the ones to his legs and feet, have hurt his ability to separate from coverage and accelerate in his routes.

Another problem with Dez is his attitude. Over his eight-year career, he’s gotten in several altercations with teammates, coaches, and opposing players. Many attribute this to his passion, but you have to wonder how Bryant’s personality would mesh with someone like Crabtree. Wide receivers are known to be divas, and the last thing the Ravens need is two veteran wideouts arguing over catches with multiple young receivers on the roster.

Anyone hates to bring this up, but in July 2012 Bryant turned himself in for a count of domestic violence where he allegedly attacked his mother. Not much came out of the incident, as Bryant was not suspended for his actions, but it’s a red flag regardless.

The Bottom Line:

Bryant supposedly turning down a multi-year offer from the Ravens should raise concern for the fans, too. Why did Bryant turn it down? Was Baltimore not a big enough market for him? Does the thought of playing with Joe Flacco (and now potentially Lamar Jackson) not excite him? Is a ‘prove-it’ deal really what he wants? These are several questions the Ravens and their fans need to ask themselves before pursuing Bryant again.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: 3 reasons they can be a playoff team

Bryant is definitely the best free agent wide receiver remaining on the market. He’s under 30 and has had a very productive career catching passes from Tony Romo and Dak Prescott. But with a big-name veteran receiver already on the roster, some character concerns, and recent lower extremity injuries that hindered production, the Ravens should steer clear of Bryant. He will definitely find work before the 2018 season starts, but he’s still on the market for a reason.

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