After releasing wide receiver Martavis Bryant on September 1st, Oakland Raiders have now changed their minds about the 26-year-old and signed him to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Raiders decided to give a contract to Bryant even though he is facing a year-long suspension by NFL for violation the league’s substance abuse policy.
“I am just thankful and happy and excited for this weekend and the opportunity to take care of my family; it will not be taken for granted,” – Bryant told ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler, confirming the move.
Oakland Raiders acquired Martavis Bryant from the Pittsburgh Steelers in April 2018, sending a 2018 third-round pick in the opposite direction. Bryant, however, didn’t have a strong showing during the training camp and reportedly struggled with learning the playbook and being at practice. This caused the Raiders to release him during the 53-man roster cuts.
“We expected more from him,”- said Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden at the time. “Perhaps we get Martavis again next year, and we can get the best out of him.”
Gruden decided to give Martavis Bryant one more chance in order to try and boost his underperforming receiving core. Raiders’ leading receivers Amari Cooper and Jordy Nelson had a poor showing in 13-33 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday, so Bryant could give the team a badly needed depth considering his talent.
Martavis Bryant entered the league in 2014 when he was selected in the fourth round of the draft by the Steelers. After two successful years, in which he combined 76 catches for 1,315 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 season. He bounced back in 2017, contributing with 50 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns.
Still, it looks like Bryant’s problems are not behind him since he reportedly violated NFL’s drug policy during this offseason. The league is reviewing the matter and could make a decision in the several upcoming days.
