Dallas Cowboys Sign Martavis Bryant to Practice Squad: A Look at His NFL Journey
The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move by signing wide receiver Martavis Bryant to their practice squad. This development comes after the NFL recently reinstated Bryant, opening the door for him to return to the football field. The signing is particularly intriguing since Bryant hasn’t played an NFL game since the 2018 season, making this a comeback worth watching.
Here’s a closer look at Martavis Bryant’s NFL journey and his path back to the league:
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014:
Martavis Bryant entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick, 118th overall, in the 2014 NFL Draft, selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He signed a rookie contract worth $2,659,220 over four years, including a $439,220 signing bonus and $439,220 guaranteed.
Early Career and Success:
Bryant’s rookie season had a delayed start due to an AC joint sprain he suffered in the preseason, causing him to miss the first six games. However, he made a significant impact when he returned, recording 26 receptions for 549 yards and eight receiving touchdowns, as well as contributing in the playoffs.
In his second season, Bryant was suspended for the first four games due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Despite this setback, he finished the season with 50 receptions for 765 yards and six receiving touchdowns, along with impressive postseason performances.
The NFL conditionally reinstated Bryant in 2017, allowing him to play. However, he demanded a trade from the Steelers due to frustrations with his role on the offense, although no trade materialized.
Bryant returned to the starting lineup and concluded the season with 50 receptions for 603 yards and three touchdowns, including a playoff appearance.
Trade to the Oakland Raiders:
In 2018, the Pittsburgh Steelers traded Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a 2018 third-round pick.
Challenges and Suspension:
Despite the change in scenery, Bryant’s journey in the NFL faced additional challenges. He was released by the Raiders in September 2018 due to the possibility of a year-long suspension for violating the league’s drug policy in the offseason. The Raiders later re-signed him.
Bryant played in eight games for the Raiders, accumulating 19 receptions for 266 yards. However, his season was cut short by a PCL tear in his left knee in Week 11.
On December 14, 2019, the NFL suspended Bryant indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement.
Stints in Other Leagues:
Martavis Bryant ventured into other football leagues during his absence from the NFL. He signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2021 but was suspended for failing to report to training camp.
Bryant also had a brief stint with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League and signed with the Edmonton Elks in 2022 before being released before training camp.
As Martavis Bryant embarks on this new chapter with the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, football enthusiasts and fans of his talent hope to see him return to the NFL. His journey has been marked by both success and challenges, and his path back to the league is a story worth following. Ultimately, Bryant’s success in the NFL hinges on his ability to overcome personal obstacles and make the most of his potential on the field.