Ravens Sign former All-Pro WR Dez Bryant to Practice Squad

The Baltimore Ravens may have a new weapon on the practice field to help simulate big Steelers receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Chase Claypool, and he has quite a pedigree of his own.

“My emotions running high right now,” Bryant wrote on Twitter. 
“I’m thankful. … I can’t stop crying.”

The Ravens officially signed veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant to their practice squad on Tuesday, and he is expected to get to work this week to help Baltimore prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.


Bryant, 31, last played in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and once an NFL All-Pro in his eight seasons in Dallas, racking up 531 career catches for 7,459 yards and 73 touchdowns.

He attempted to play in the 2018 season with the New Orleans Saints, but tore his achilles before the season, spent the year on injured reserve and has not been on an NFL roster since.

Bryant could play on Sunday, even if he remains on the practice squad, as NFL teams are permitted to activate up to two practice squad players per game this year, though it’s unclear what the Ravens plans are for the veteran receiver.

They have been looking for someone to take attention away from No. 1 receiver Marquise Brown, with Willie Snead, Miles Boykin and rookie Devin Duvernay all getting extensive playing time this season.

Brown leads the Ravens with 42 targets, 26 receptions, 376 and receiving yards, but has scored just one touchdown on the season.