Martavis Bryant Returns to NFL, Signs with Washington Commanders After Six-Year Hiatus

Samantha Thornton

Martavis Bryant, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, has signed with the Washington Commanders after a six-year hiatus from the NFL. The 32-year-old athlete, who was suspended indefinitely by the league in 2018 for drug use, was reinstated in November 2023 and is now poised to make his comeback in professional football.

Journey Through Minor Leagues

During his time away from the NFL, Bryant showcased his skills in various minor leagues:

  • Canadian Football League
  • Indoor Football League
  • Fan Controlled Football league
  • XFL

This diverse experience has kept Bryant in the game, albeit at different levels of competition.

NFL Career Timeline

Year Team Notable Events
2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Drafted in 4th round
2014-2015 Pittsburgh Steelers 126 catches, 1,917 yards, 17 TDs
2016 Suspended for entire season
2017 Pittsburgh Steelers Played 15 games
2018 Oakland Raiders Traded, played 8 games before IR
2018-2023 Indefinite suspension
Nov 2023 Dallas Cowboys Signed to practice squad
May 2024 Dallas Cowboys Released
2024 Washington Commanders Signed

The Road to Reinstatement

Bryant’s journey back to the NFL has been marked by perseverance and determination. After his indefinite suspension in 2018, he spent nearly five years away from the league. His reinstatement in November 2023 opened the door for a potential return, which he initially capitalized on by joining the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.

Coach Dan Quinn, who was familiar with Bryant from his time as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, spoke highly of the receiver’s current condition and motivation:

“He’s in really good shape and he’s really hungry to prove it. He’s been ready for a while, so it’s good to have him here.”

Opportunity with the Commanders

The Washington Commanders’ wide receiver corps presents a unique opportunity for Bryant to compete for a significant role. Behind star receiver Terry McLaurin, the team’s depth chart is relatively open. Bryant’s imposing 6-foot-4 frame offers a dimension that the Commanders’ receiving corps currently lacks.

Competing Receivers

Bryant will need to outperform several other receivers to secure his spot on the roster, including:

  1. Brycen Tremayne
  2. Jahan Dotson
  3. Luke McCaffrey
  4. Dyami Brown
  5. Olamide Zaccheaus
  6. Jamison Crowder
  7. Byron Pringle
  8. Mitchell Tinsley
  9. Davion Davis
  10. Kazmeir Allen

Financial Aspects

Bryant’s NFL career has seen significant financial fluctuations:

  • 2014: Signed a four-year rookie deal with the Steelers worth about $2.66 million
  • 2018: One-year deal with the Raiders worth about $1.9 million
  • 2024: Current contract with the Commanders listed at about $1.13 million

His estimated net worth stands at around $4 million, reflecting both his NFL earnings and potential income from his time in minor leagues.

Coach’s Perspective

Coach Dan Quinn emphasized Bryant’s unique attributes and potential role in the offense:

“Martavis has a really cool skillset. He’s got size and length and the ability to use him in the red zone. He looks like a linebacker playing wide out from a size standpoint.”

This statement suggests that the Commanders see Bryant as a potential mismatch creator, especially in scoring situations.

Bryant’s Determination

For his part, Bryant has expressed a strong desire to make the most of this opportunity. At 32 years old (turning 33 in December), he understands that this could be his last chance to re-establish himself in the NFL. His journey through various minor leagues has likely honed his skills and kept him in playing shape, but the NFL represents a significant step up in competition.

The coming weeks and months will be crucial for Bryant as he works to prove himself worthy of a roster spot with the Commanders. His size, experience, and unique journey make him an intriguing addition to Washington’s receiving corps, but he’ll need to translate that potential into on-field production to secure his place in the NFL once again.

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