Washington Commanders Sign Martavis Bryant, Former Steelers and Cowboys Star, After Six-Year NFL Absence

In a surprise move, the Washington Commanders have signed veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who hasn’t played in the NFL for six years. Bryant, now 32, was indefinitely suspended by the NFL in 2018 following multiple drug violations, but was reinstated last November.

Bryant, who spent time on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys late last season, was released on January 4. He caught on with the Commanders after a workout at training camp, impressing coach Dan Quinn with his physical condition and hunger to prove himself.

“He’s in really good shape and he’s really hungry to prove it,” Quinn said. “He’s been ready for a while, so it’s good to have him here.”

Bryant played for the XFL’s Vegas Vipers in 2023, catching 14 passes for 154 yards and no touchdowns in eight games. The 6-foot-4 wideout adds much-needed size to the Commanders’ receiving corps.

Veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant signed with the Washington Commanders on Tuesday

The NFL indefinitely suspended Bryant, now 32, in 2018 following multiple drug violations

Bryant has a storied past, catching 145 passes for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns in 44 games (18 starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2014-15, 2017) and then-Oakland Raiders (2018). He was a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2014.

However, Bryant’s career has been marred by suspensions, including a four-game suspension in 2015 for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, and an indefinite suspension in 2016 for missing multiple drug tests.

Despite his troubled past, Quinn sees potential in Bryant’s unique skill set. “Martavis has a really cool skill set. He’s got size and length and the ability to use him in the red zone,” Quinn said. “He looks like a linebacker playing wideout from a size standpoint.”

With Bryant on board, the Commanders hope to revitalize their receiving corps and make a push for the playoffs.

Washington Commanders sign former Steelers and Cowboys star Martavis Bryant who hasn’t played in the NFL for SIX YEARS