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The NFL can be a crazy business, and it becomes very apparent when you see a proven veteran like Dez Bryant suddenly released by the Dallas Cowboys. Since Bryant’s outright release, he is now looking for a new home. Many are guessing where he may land, but the one team who has the most buzz around it would be the Baltimore Ravens.
Could the Ravens bring Bryant to the AFC North?
According to an NFL Network report it is certainly a strong possibility:
“They signed Michael Crabtree earlier in the offseason,” Ian Rapoport explained on Monday’s edition of NFL Total Access. “They still are looking to add a receiver. There is a lot to like about the Baltimore Ravens and Dez Bryant. Keep an eye on that one.”
Rapoport and NFL Network weren’t alone in their rumor mill of Bryant to the Ravens. This from ESPN’s Jamison Hensley:
“Now, the Ravens are still in need of a wide receiver like Bryant. After signing Michael Crabtree and John Brown in free agency, Baltimore has continued to pursue more targets for quarterback Joe Flacco. The Ravens met with Eric Decker, reached out to Allen Hurns (who signed with Dallas) and brought in restricted free agents Cameron Meredith (who signed with New Orleans) and Willie Snead.
Bryant, 29, also fits a familiar profile for Baltimore. The Ravens have had success with veteran receivers who’ve been cut: Derrick Mason, Steve Smith and Mike Wallace.”
Even the experts in Las Vegas consider the Ravens as the odds-on-favorites to win the Dez Bryant sweepstakes. The following odds per the Bovada sportsbook:
Who Will Dez Bryant Sign His Next NFL Contract With?
Baltimore Ravens 3/1
Houston Texans 4/1
Buffalo Bills 8/1
New York Giants 10/1
...
The Ravens players are even getting into the mix by trying to recruit Bryant to the Free State to help Baltimore get back to the playoffs, and possibly beyond.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Bengals and Browns, the thought of Bryant joining the Ravens is enough to make one sick, but at the same time Bryant will likely be fielding all calls before making a decision. Outside of money, the person throwing him the football might also play a huge role in the decision.
The New Orleans Saints and Drew Brees have shown interest in Bryant, as well as the Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson. Other teams are also interested, like the Texans and Cardinals, but you have to wonder how Bryant would weigh those three aforementioned signal callers (Brees, Wilson and Flacco) when possibly making a decision.
The Dez Bryant sweepstakes wages on, and Steelers fans around the globe likely are all hoping he chooses somewhere other than the AFC North to call home.