Dez Bryant Rumors: Ravens Out on Ex-Cowboys WR After Willie Snead Contract

The Baltimore Ravens have backed off their pursuit of Dez Bryant after signing Willie Snead to an offer sheet.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the acquisition of Snead—which came after the New Orleans Saints decided to not match the Ravens' offer sheet—took Baltimore out of the running for Bryant. It's unclear whether Bryant had any interest in joining the Ravens regardless of their pursuit.

Bryant, 29, has only publicly expressed a desire to play for an NFC East team. The Dallas Cowboys released the three-time Pro Bowler earlier this month after eight seasons with the franchise, a decision Bryant felt was personal.

"I won't say any teams, but being in the division, that's a huge possibility. That's a huge possibility," Bryant told NFL Network. "That's something that I want. ... It's personal. Like I said, it's very personal. I already had a plan of training and getting my mind right. I just want to do it that much more."

Bryant recorded 69 receptions for 838 yards and six touchdowns last season. It was his third straight year under the 1,000-yard barrier. He also averaged a career-low 12.1 yards per reception in 2017.

"Based on last year, he does very few things really well," a Cowboys staff member told Albert Breer of The MMQB. 

The Ravens already signed Michael Crabtree this offseason, so adding Bryant would have been a bit redundant. Both are big-bodied players who struggle to create separation down the field and do their best work on intermediate routes at this point in their respective careers. Crabtree also has a far superior recent resume, so he should be the better option.

Bryant eventually will sign with a new team, but the fact that he's still on the market a week-and-a-half after his release indicates how far he's fallen in the eyes of NFL teams.