Martavis Bryant, a former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed with the Washington Commanders on August 13, 2024. He had been released from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad earlier this year.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn, who worked with Bryant in Dallas, told the media on Tuesday “Martavis has a really cool skill set. He’s got size and length and the ability to use him in the red zone, so when you see him today, you’ll definitely be, he’ll stand out.”
Current Status and Depth Chart
Bryant’s signing with the Commanders is seen as a move to add depth and competition at the wide receiver position. The Commanders, led by new quarterback Jayden Daniels, have some question marks behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
Absence from the NFL
Martavis Bryant last NFL game was in November 2018 as a member of the Oakland Raiders. He was indefinitely suspended following repeated violations of the NFL’s drug policy. He was suspended for four games in 2015, the entire 2016 season, and then indefinitely suspended in December 2018.
Martavis Bryant was reinstated by the NFL in 2023. The Cowboys would sign Martavis Bryant to their practice squad, ending a five year absense from the NFL. Bryant would remain on the Cowboys practice squad for the entire 2023 season.
Odds of Making the Team
Given his talent and previous NFL experience, Bryant has a chance to secure a spot but it’s likely that Bryant would be a #4 WR (at best) on the depth chart, if not a member practice squad. The Commanders are fringe playoff contenders this year, so it’s unlikely they cut a younger player with similar talent in favor of the 32 year old.