FRISCO, Texas _ Two-hundred and eight days after driving away from The Star for the last time, Dez Bryant has found a new team. The Cowboys' all-time leader in touchdown receptions is joining the New Orleans Saints.
Bryant, according to multiple reports, is signing a one-year deal.
He won't have to wait long to play against his former team. The 7-1 Saints travel to AT&T Stadium to face the Cowboys on Nov. 29.
"Dez is a great player," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said Wednesday. "Dez was a great player in this organization for a long time. I'm really happy for him and that opportunity. I know it's important to him. He wants to finish his career strong.
"It seems like a real good opportunity for him. I know he'll help their team."
Bryant is joining one of the all-time great quarterbacks in Drew Brees and the NFC's No. 1 scoring offense, which is averaging 34.9 points per game this season.
It will be interesting to see what kind of shape Bryant is in. He has posted several videos on his social media accounts over the last few months showcasing some of his workouts. But that's different from football shape.
Bryant, who turned 30 on Sunday, has not played in a NFL game since Jan. 1 when the Cowboys finished the 2017 season against the Eagles.
Dallas released Bryant on April 13. The two-time Pro Bowler finished last season with 69 catches on 133 targets for 838 yards and six touchdowns.
Despite the Cowboys struggling at the receiver position this season, the club was never interested in bringing him back.
Bryant was at his best in 2014 when he caught 88 passes for 1,320 yards and a career-high 16 touchdowns. That marked his third consecutive season with over 1,000-receiving yards and double-digit touchdowns.
But injuries led to inconsistencies in his game and a slow decline in his play over the next three seasons.
How motivated will Bryant be to play against the Cowboys?
"You'll have to ask him," Garrett said. "I have no idea. I really don't. I love Dez. I wish him nothing but the best going forward. That's a great spot for him."
Bryant confirmed the news via his Twitter account.
