The Dallas Cowboys signed wide receiver Martavis Bryant to the practice squad. The NFL recently reinstated Bryant, allowing him to play for a football team. He hasn’t played an NFL game since the 2018 season.
The Dallas Cowboys receiver was drafted in 2014
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Martavis Bryant in the 4th round, 118th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was the 19th receiver taken. He signed a 4-year, $2,659,220 rookie contract with a $439,220 signing bonus and $439,220 guaranteed.
Bryant missed the first six games of his rookie season because of an AC joint sprain that he suffered in the last preseason game. Bryant played the rest of the season, starting in three games, recording 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. He also had five receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown in the playoffs.
Bryant was suspended for the first four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He missed Week 5 because of a knee injury. He returned in Week 6. He finished the season with 50 receptions for 765 yards and six receiving touchdowns. He also had 14 receptions for 183 yards and one touchdown in two playoff games.
The NFL suspended Bryant for the entire 2016 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy the second time.
The NFL conditionally reinstated Bryant on April 25, 2017, allowing him to play during the 2017 season. After being frustrated with his role on the offense, Bryant demanded a trade. Mike Tomlin refused to trade him, and Bryant was inactive for their game against the Detroit Lions. Bryant returned to the starting lineup next week and played the rest of the season, recording 50 receptions for 603 yards and three touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 78 yards and one touchdown in one playoff game.
Pittsburgh traded Bryant in 2018
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a 2018 third-round pick on April 26, 2018.
The Raiders released Bryant on September 1 because he might face a year-long suspension for violating the league’s drug policy in the off-season. The Raiders re-signed him two weeks later. He played in eight games, recording 19 receptions for 266 yards. He suffered a PCL tear in his left knee in Week 11 and missed the rest of the season.
The NFL suspended Bryant indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement on December 14, 2019.
Bryant had a brief stint in the CFL and other sports leagues
Bryant signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League on January 25, 2021. He was suspended on July 10 after failing to report to training camp. Bryant didn’t play at all and was released on December 23.
He signed with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League on April 2, 2021.
He signed with the Edmonton Elks on February 28, 2022. They released him on May 3 before training camp started.
What now?
Hopefully, Martavis Bryant can return and play in the NFL. He has talent. The only thing getting in the way of his success in the NFL is himself.
For More Great NFL Content
Follow me on Twitter/X @JacksonLoschko. If you have any questions, you can message me on Linkedin. To read more of our articles and be up to date on the latest in the NFL, click here.
To stay up to date with other content, follow Fantasy Sports Heroics on Twitter/X @FSHeroics and on YouTube @FantasySportsHeroics.