The Washington Commanders have signed wide receiver Martavis Bryant, marking his return to the NFL after a long absence. Bryant last played in an NFL regular-season game in 2018, and although he spent time on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad last year, he was released in May. This signing comes after Bryant had multiple meetings with the Commanders in recent months, as reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Bryant first rose to prominence as a star wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, having been drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at Clemson.
Over the course of three seasons with the Steelers, Bryant showcased his talent with 126 receptions for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns in 36 games. He gained attention for his athleticism, highlighted by a memorable catch during the 2015 Wild Card game.
In 2018, Bryant was traded to the Oakland Raiders, but his performance faltered, with just 19 catches for 266 yards and no touchdowns that season. His career took a significant hit after the season when he was suspended indefinitely for violating the terms of his reinstatement, following previous suspensions under the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Despite his NFL setbacks, Bryant sought to revive his football career through other leagues, including stints in the CFL, Indoor Football League, Fan Controlled Football, and the XFL. In 2023, he played for the Vegas Vipers in the XFL, recording 14 receptions for 154 yards during the season. His perseverance has now led to another shot in the NFL with Washington.
Bryant joins a competitive receiver group in Washington that includes established stars Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, along with promising talents like rookie Luke McCaffrey and veterans such as Jamison Crowder and Dyami Brown.
At 6’4″ and over 200 pounds, Bryant’s size sets him apart from most of the other receivers on the roster, and he could add a new dimension to the Commanders’ offense. He will also be working alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, as they prepare for the upcoming season.
