Martavis Bryant, the former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, has signed a contract with the Washington Commanders after being released by the Dallas Cowboys earlier this year. Bryant, who last played in an NFL regular-season game in 2018, is making a comeback to the league after a five-year absence.
Martavis Bryant’s Tumultuous Career
Martavis Bryant’s career has been marked by a series of suspensions, including missing the entire 2016 and 2019 seasons due to violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. He also served a four-game suspension to start the 2015 season.
Despite these setbacks, Bryant has shown flashes of brilliance on the field. As a rookie, he recorded the NFL’s longest touchdown catch that season (94 yards) and had an 88-yard touchdown catch the following season. In the 2015 playoffs, he had 194 all-purpose yards in Pittsburgh’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
Praise from Coach Dan Quinn
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn praised Bryant’s size, length, and ability to be used in the red zone, stating that he looks like a linebacker playing wideout from a size standpoint.
“Martavis is a big, physical receiver who can really stretch the field vertically,” Quinn said. “His size and length make him a unique weapon, especially in the red zone. We’re excited to see what he can bring to our offense.”
Martavis Bryant’s Journey Back to the NFL
Bryant’s signing with the Commanders marks his return to the NFL after a five-year absence. During this time, he has played in various leagues, including the Indoor Football League, Canadian Football League, Fan Controlled Football, and XFL.
Here’s a timeline of Martavis Bryant’s journey back to the NFL:
| Year | League |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Missed NFL season due to suspension |
| 2020 | Indoor Football League |
| 2021 | Canadian Football League |
| 2022 | Fan Controlled Football |
| 2023 | XFL |
| 2024 | Signed with Dallas Cowboys, released in May |
| 2024 | Signed with Washington Commanders |
Potential Impact on the Commanders’ Offense
With the addition of Martavis Bryant, the Commanders’ offense could see a significant boost. Bryant’s size, speed, and ability to stretch the field vertically could provide a valuable complement to the team’s existing receiving corps, which includes Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
Furthermore, Bryant’s red zone prowess could be a valuable asset for the Commanders, who struggled in that area last season. His ability to win one-on-one matchups and use his size to his advantage could be a game-changer for the team.
Conclusion
Martavis Bryant’s signing with the Washington Commanders represents a fresh start for the talented but troubled wide receiver. If he can stay healthy and focused, he could provide a much-needed boost to the Commanders’ offense and help the team compete in the NFC East. However, Bryant’s past suspensions and off-field issues will continue to be a concern, and he will need to prove that he can stay on the field and contribute consistently.
