Devante

Bond

Bond didn’t appear in a regular season game last season, but played in 34 games from 2017-2020, mostly as a special teams player. The Cowboys might look to bring in additional depth at the position for training camp.

Bond began last season with the Bucs, playing 30 defensive snaps over the first six weeks, before then getting cut, serving a four-game ban, and then signing with the Bears. He’s a special teams player who will compete for a roster spot next summer.

Bond had played only 30 snaps through the season’s first six weeks. He was more involved the previous two years, making six combined starts.

Bond had been headed for restricted free agency. Signed last October, Bond made 11 appearances, including four starts. He also spent 2016-17 in Tampa. Ideally, Bond would be a deep depth piece for new coach Bruce Arians’ roster.

Last year’s No. 183 overall pick, Bond missed his rookie season with a hamstring injury. But the Bucs believe he’s ready to play on defense. Veteran Daryl Smith was the starting SAM last year, but he’s a free agent. Smith played just 475 snaps across all 16 games last season, so Bond will be a part-time player.

Bond only started eight games in two years at Oklahoma, but the Bucs like his athleticism and ability to rush the passer. He’ll start out playing special teams.

The injury is to his right foot. If Bond is designated for return—the Bucs are allowed to bring back two players from I.R.—he’d be eligible to return after Week 8. Bond registered 14 tackles over 136 defensive snaps last season.

Bond (6'1/235) spent two seasons as a Sooner after transferring from JUCO, amassing 11 tackles for loss with three sacks and a forced fumble across eight starts. He showed range and flashed as a blitzer. Although Bond was a part-time college player, he has growth potential based on his athletic makeup, running 4.7-flat with an explosive 10-foot-1 broad jump and 37 1/2-inch vertical. Bond figures to open his NFL career on special teams and push for defensive snaps down the road.