Will the New Orleans Saints decide to re-sign Dez Bryant?

After a season-ending injury, the New Orleans Saints never got a chance to see Dez Bryant in action. Where they are now, will they re-sign the wideout?

Dez Bryant was an integral part of the Dallas Cowboys offense for several years — or at least for the years when he played with Tony Romo. Once the team transitioned into life with Dak Prescott, Bryant became an option rather than a priority. Eventually, the Cowboys released him in the 2018 offseason and, later, Bryant was signed by the New Orleans Saints.

Many assumed the addition of Bryant would be a potential low-risk, high-reward move. Unfortunately for the Saints, Bryant tore his Achilles before ever playing a down and was subsequently out for the year. It was a blow for both Bryant and the Saints. After almost an entire year of rehab, Bryant is returning to form. The bigger question, however, is if the New Orleans Saints will take a chance on him again or let him go elsewhere?

As with most arguments, a case could be made for both sides. In keeping Bryant, the two would get a chance to start over. Bryant barely even got to the field before he was injured. Keeping Bryant would allow him to make up for the lost time and prove that he was worth investing in. For the Saints, it would give them more depth at wide receiver.

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Even though Michael Thomas is their star, the team does lack a veteran presence besides Ted Ginn Jr. They need pass-catchers who are smart, reliable and can still make plays. Bryant is that perfect sweet spot between Thomas and Ginn.

With Drew Brees at the helm, Bryant has a chance at getting further in the playoffs and a possible Super Bowl. In keeping Bryant, the Saints would be taking a risk as he’s coming off an injury and might not be 100 percent when the season rolls around.

The case against signing Bryant is pretty solid, too. As noted above, the risk could end up outweighing the reward. He’s coming off an injury and is 30 years old, which is even older for a receiver. In addition to that, Bryant hasn’t played in an NFL game since the end of 2017. That’s a major red flag as the Saints want someone who can come in and make an impact immediately.

At his age and given his recent injury, Bryant can no longer demand big money. Even if it’s still a risky proposition, signing him to a one-year deal was smart but might be all they can do for now.

For Bryant, it seems like the risk outweighs the reward. The Saints would be best to move on from Bryant and let him walk. If they decide to keep him, a one-year deal is the way to go. They could be investing their money in other players than Bryant. With their eyes on the Lombardi Trophy, the team doesn’t have time or money to waste.