When the Washington Commanders signed veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant two weeks ago, it was mostly viewed as roster depth. There was no way a player who had been out of the NFL for six years could make the team.
But Bryant is different than most. The fact he has been out of the NFL that long and even has the opportunity to make a team should tell you everything about Bryant’s talent.
At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, Bryant ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds back in 2014. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fourth round of that draft.
Bryant once appeared destined for superstardom, but multiple suspensions for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy derailed his career. He last played a game in the NFL in 2018. During his absence from the NFL, Bryant had stints in the CFL, Indoor Football League, FCF, and XFL.
However, in 2023, the Dallas Cowboys signed Bryant to their practice squad. While he never played in a game for the Cowboys, he impressed then-defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who is now the head coach of the Commanders.
Earlier this offseason, the Commanders brought Bryant in for a workout but didn’t sign him. After seeing their receivers for a few weeks into training camp, Washington chose to sign Bryant.
In Sunday’s preseason finale against the Patriots, Bryant caught three passes for 20 yards, including a four-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and drew a pair of pass interference penalties.
Here’s the touchdown.
While that is impressive, Bryant’s effort on Washington’s go-ahead touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter will excite general manager Adam Peters and the coaching staff.
Check out Bryant here, blocking in the fourth quarter of a preseason game. It was a key block, too, as running back Michael Wiley scored on the play.
It’s that type of effort that Bryant showed that helps coaches decide between a player or two. It’s all about effort. Bryant is a player who once had it all and is now fighting for his football life. He’s happy to be here and willing to do whatever it takes for another shot at the NFL.
Bryant’s effort is part of the reason the Commanders soured on 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson before trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
One play doesn’t make or break anyone, but Bryant gives Washington something it lacks: Size at the wide receiver position. When you also factor in his effort and athleticism, Bryant impressed the Commanders over the past two weeks and has a chance of making the 53-man roster.
