Ah, Martavis Bryant. A name Pittsburgh Steelers fans all know well as a once-promising prospect who failed to meet expectations.
Bryant, 32, has now been given another shot at a come-back, this time by the Washington Commanders.
Bryant was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell last November after serving an indefinite suspension handed down in 2018. He was immediately snapped up for the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.
But it’s been six years since Bryant, the Steelers’ fourth-round draft pick in 2014, has played in the NFL. His history of substance abuse issues led to multiple suspensions, the most recent in 2018.
Bryant last played at the highest level with the then-Oakland Raiders in 2018. He had a stint in the CFL and spent the 2022 season with Rod Woodson’s Vegas Vipers.
In four NFL seasons (he was suspended for the entirety of 2016), he logged 145 receptions on 251 targets for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns. His best season, 765 yards and six scores, came with Pittsburgh in 2015.
Though Bryant has an uphill battle to make Washington’s final roster, the team is thin at the position.
“I’m thankful to be here and super excited,” Bryant said, via ESPN’s John Keim. “I’ve still got more work to put in. I have to look good.”
The #Commanders have signed veteran WR Martavis Bryant, giving him one more chance for a comeback.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2024