So this is an odd way to conduct negotiations.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke with reporters Thursday at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis about a number of topics. One of those topics was free agent wide receiver Dez Bryant, who hasn’t played in the NFL since the Cowboys released him during the 2018 offseason.

Bryant has made multiple public overtures about his desire to return to Dallas, where he was a three-time Pro Bowler. The 31-year-old believes he can still contribute at an NFL level.

What does Jones think?

Well. It’s been on his mind.

In the shower?

“I’ve thought a lot about it in the shower,” Jones told reporters about Bryant returning, per the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gelken. Gelken emphasized that Jones is considering bringing him back.

As for the locale of Jones’ football contemplations? We’ll just chalk that up to Jerry being Jerry.

Shower or no shower, Bryant is here for it.

Bryant’s response

Jones’ acknowledgement begs one important question.

Can Bryant still play?

Bryant has now missed two full NFL seasons. He saw a dramatic drop-off in production when the Cowboys replaced Tony Romo with Dak Prescott at quarterback in 2016.

But while he wasn’t playing at his previous Pro Bowl level, he was still a productive player in 2017, the last time he took an NFL snap. Bryant tallied 69 catches for 838 yards and six touchdowns that season.

The Cowboys ultimately released him when it became clear that his connection with Prescott wasn’t as productive as the one he had with Romo and Bryant refused to take a pay cut.

The door is open for a Dez Bryant return to the Cowboys. (Rodger Mallison/Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images) More

By the time the Cowboys released Bryant late that offseason, much of the free agent market had dried up. He didn’t find another home until the New Orleans Saints signed him late in the season for the stretch run and the playoffs.

Achilles tear looms

But Bryant tore an Achilles' tendon in practice shortly after signing with the Saints and never played a down in New Orleans.

Achilles tears are notoriously difficult to bounce back from. Most athletes are never the same after suffering one. But Bryant’s only 31 and was one of the league’s most dangerous receivers at his peak.

Bryant won’t be a go-to guy anymore, but the Cowboys — or another team — might eventually see enough there to find a role for the veteran receiver.

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