SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Dez Bryant #88 and Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after a two-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

With starting receiver Michael Gallup going under the knife, might it be time to bring Dez Bryant back to Big D and finish what he started with the Dallas Cowboys?

As humans we love the symmetry of a player beginning and ending his career with the same franchise. As fans, we love the romanticism of a successful eleventh hour reunion. So it only makes sense that when the Dallas Cowboys second-year WR, Michael Gallup, went down, Dez Bryant’s name quickly popped up in discussion.

Not long ago Dez Bryant was the lead dog on this Dallas Cowboys receiving corps. But diminished production mixed with a high price tag and a volatile sideline presence made the fan favorite suddenly expendable.

So much has changed since then it’s hard to believe that was only 17 months ago. But it’s really all of those changes that even makes this possible (from a daydreaming perspective, that is).

From NFL Now: #Cowboys WR Michael Gallup is having a procedure to trim his meniscus, meaning Dallas is going to be without one of its most prolific offensive players for up to a month. pic.twitter.com/1WAaX5wIhY — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2019

When Dallas said goodbye to their franchise TD leader, they did so because he was no longer the No. 1 receiver they were paying for. While Dez’s ability to be a No. 1 option hasn’t changed, the state of the Dallas Cowboys HAS.

Dallas isn’t in the market for a No. 1 WR. They have that in Amari Cooper. The Dallas Cowboys need a second outside option. Many believe Dez could be that.

Want that be lovely… I could retire properly lol https://t.co/SOUXiQaKK6 — Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) September 16, 2019

Now, Dez Bryant can’t simply walk in and replace Michael Gallup’s production. Because Gallup may only be in his second year, but he’s been Dak Prescott’s top target this season (15 targets). He’s a deep threat, intermediate threat, and short yardage threat. Dez would only be one – maybe two – of those.

As a possession receiver and red zone weapon, Dez Bryant can still be a productive player, but as a downfield threat, Dez doesn’t scare anyone.

Better Option?

After a productive preseason and breakout week 2 performance, Devin Smith proved he’s a downfield threat and possibly more. The former second round pick has overcome his share of adversity (2 significant knee injuries) and is just now showing what kind of potential he brings. It may not be wise to put all of the eggs in Devin Smith’s basket, but it would be foolish to not give him as many opportunities to succeed as they can.

Cedrick Wilson is another tantalizing option. The big play threat from Boise State is unproven, but holds undeniable potential. Unlike Dez, Wilson can play both inside and outside and specifically plays Z (Gallup’s spot) and slot, while Dez is basically just an X (Amari Cooper’s primary location). Wilson and Smith just fill the void better.

Not worth the hassle

As fun as it is to think about a humbled Dez Bryant helping the Dallas Cowboys out while Michael Gallup recovers from knee surgery, it’s a move that probably offers more risk than reward. Making room for Dez would require giving up on another young prospect, and I think we can all agree we love our depth on the Dallas Cowboys this season.

Should Dez Bryant retire a Dallas Cowboy? For sure. But he doesn’t have a place on this Dallas Cowboys team. Team chemistry is too strong to mess with and lower-level talent is too promising to give up on. It’s Devin Smith and Cedrick Wilson’s time.