The Washington Commanders have taken a gamble on Martavis Bryant, a former Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick who has been out of the NFL for five years. Despite his hiatus from the league, Bryant impressed during a workout with the Commanders and ultimately landed a contract, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Bryant burst onto the scene in 2014 with his rare combination of size and speed as a receiver. He showcased flashes of brilliance early in his career, amassing 76 catches for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two seasons. One standout moment was his incredible flipping catch against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2014 playoffs, which captured national attention.
However, Bryant’s career took a nosedive due to repeated violations of the NFL’s drug policy. He was suspended for four games in 2015 and the entire 2016 season. Despite being conditionally reinstated in 2017, he failed to comply with the terms of his reinstatement in December 2018, leading to an indefinite suspension that has kept him off NFL fields since then.
After his time with the Raiders, Bryant played in various lower-tier football leagues, including the indoor football league, Fan Controlled Football, and the XFL. In 2023, he was granted reinstatement by the NFL, paving the way for his potential return to the big stage.
Although joining the Commanders gives Bryant a shot at redemption in the NFL, it is not his first post-suspension stint with a pro team. The Dallas Cowboys signed him to their practice squad in November 2023, impressed by his performance in the XFL. However, his tenure with the Cowboys was short-lived, as he was released in January and again in May after signing a futures contract.
With a tumultuous past behind him, Bryant now faces a crucial opportunity with the Commanders to resurrect his career and prove that he belongs back in the NFL. As he embarks on this new chapter, only time will tell if Bryant can make the most of his second chance in the league.