Martavis Bryant Revives NFL Career with Washington Commanders Signing

 Martavis Bryant Revives NFL Career with Washington Commanders Signing

Martavis Bryant #12 of the Oakland Raiders warms up before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Miami, Florida.(Image- Getty)

Veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant has taken a significant step towards reviving his NFL career, signing with the Washington Commanders on Tuesday. This marks a crucial milestone in his journey back to the league, six years after his last appearance. Bryant's NFL career was put on hold in 2018 due to multiple drug-related suspensions, which led to an indefinite ban. However, he was reinstated last November, paving the way for his return.

Bryant's path to redemption began with a stint on the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad late last season, but he was released on January 4. Undeterred, he seized an opportunity to work out with the Commanders during training camp, impressing coaches with his determination and physical conditioning. Washington coach Dan Quinn praised Bryant, saying, "He's in really good shape and hungry to prove himself. He's been ready for a while, so it's great to have him on board."

In an effort to reignite his NFL career, Bryant played for the XFL's Vegas Vipers in 2023, recording 14 receptions for 154 yards and no touchdowns in eight games. His previous NFL experience includes stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2014-2015, 2017) and Oakland Raiders (2018), where he accumulated 145 catches for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns in 44 games.

Bryant's past has been marred by suspensions, including a four-game ban in 2015 for violating the league's substance-abuse policy and a year-long suspension in 2016 for missing multiple drug tests. His indefinite suspension in 2018 was a result of violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement.

The 6-foot-4 Bryant brings a much-needed physical presence to the Commanders' receiving corps, offering a unique combination of size, length, and red-zone potential. Coach Quinn, who previously worked with Bryant during his time as the Cowboys' defensive coordinator, noted, "Martavis has a really cool skill set. He's got size and length, making him a valuable asset in the red zone. His size is reminiscent of a linebacker playing wideout."