The Dallas Cowboys have officially released veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who was brought in late last season but never saw the field in regular-season action. Despite the hope that the former Pittsburgh Steelers starter could bolster the Cowboys’ offensive depth, his impact remained unrealized.
Martavis Bryant’s Struggles and Potential Comeback
Bryant, once traded for a third-round pick due to his on-field potential, has struggled to regain his career momentum after a series of suspensions. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday that Bryant, who was reinstated after a lengthy suspension on November 4, 2023, had not reached the necessary readiness to contribute to the Cowboys’ offense, leading to his release.
Martavis Bryant’s Career Derailed by Suspensions
Standing at 6-foot-4, the former Clemson Tiger showcased his potential during his early years with the Steelers, scoring 17 touchdowns from 2014 to 2017. However, his frequent suspensions due to substance abuse policy violations severely impacted his career.
He missed four games in 2015 and the entirety of the 2016 season, culminating in a nearly five-year suspension starting in 2018. Despite the NFL relaxing its drug policy, Bryant’s journey back to the league proved challenging.
The #Cowboys released veteran WR Martavis Bryant, per source. Other teams are interested and expected to bring him in for a look. pic.twitter.com/JtsEQcfpSS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 8, 2024
Searching for Redemption
After stints in the CFL, XFL, and Fan-Controlled Football League, Bryant aimed to make a triumphant return. The Cowboys provided him with a futures contract in January after an initial release from their practice squad. However, Bryant couldn’t impress enough to earn a regular-season roster spot, leaving his future in the NFL uncertain.
Oppurtunity For Zay Jones?
Bryant’s release paves the way for Zay Jones, who is scheduled to visit Dallas on Wednesday. The son of Robert Jones, a former Cowboys Super Bowl starter in the 1990s, Zay has caught the team’s eye after a stint with the Tennessee Titans. A Dallas native himself, Jones could provide additional support for the Cowboys’ wide receiver corps.
The Cowboys continue to search for complementary options around star receiver CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. Bryant’s departure signifies the team’s willingness to keep exploring options to strengthen their offensive lineup.
Despite Bryant’s exit from Dallas, other teams have expressed interest in the 32-year-old receiver. Whether he can reignite his NFL career remains to be seen, but Bryant’s persistence and past achievements suggest he may have one more chapter to write in his football journey.
Source: Yardbarker
