Martavis Bryant, once a promising wide receiver with a knack for making explosive plays, has seen his journey with the Dallas Cowboys come to an abrupt end. Despite being signed in November with the hope of becoming a supporting cast member for the team, he never made it to an active roster spot. The Cowboys decided to release Bryant after offering him a reserve/futures contract just this January.
The ex-Steelers standout has struggled to find his rhythm since being traded for a third-round pick at the peak of his career. According to Tom Pelissero, other teams have shown interest, though Bryant’s time to revive his career is slipping away as he approaches 32.
The Impact of Years-Long Suspension
Bryant’s career has been marred by suspensions, largely due to violations of the NFL’s drug policy. His most recent suspension was lifted on November 4, 2023, after nearly five years away from the NFL. The policy that sidelined him throughout 2016 and again in 2018 has since been revised to be more lenient for non-PED offenses.
During his prime from 2014 to 2017, Bryant managed to score 17 touchdowns and secured a memorable catch in the 2015 Wild Card round. However, these achievements have become distant memories as he struggled to reignite his form after his reinstatement.
BREAKING: The #Cowboys released veteran WR Martavis Bryant, per @TomPelissero. pic.twitter.com/whmbGJnuHE
— CRAZY NFL (@CrazyNFL_) May 8, 2024
Martavis Bryant’s Future After Exit From Dallas Cowboys
Despite being signed by the Cowboys as a potential contributor alongside CeeDee Lamb, Bryant remained in “redevelopment mode” late last year. Dallas eventually opted for other options, leading to his release from the practice squad. The futures deal gave him a temporary lifeline, but ultimately, it wasn’t enough to keep him on the roster.
Interestingly, the Tennessee Titans had Bryant on their radar during this period, hinting at lingering interest from other franchises. With his past stints in the CFL, XFL, and Fan-Controlled Football League, Bryant is no stranger to navigating the fringes of professional football.
A Fresh Opportunity on the Horizon?
The Cowboys’ decision to release Bryant clears a roster spot that could be filled by a familiar name. Zay Jones, a Dallas native and the son of former Cowboys Super Bowl starter Robert Jones has been linked to the team following a potential reunion with Brian Callahan and Tyler Boyd falling through with the Titans.
With Brandin Cooks still positioned as the primary complement to CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys continue to explore additional offensive firepower. Whether Bryant will receive another opportunity to prove himself remains to be seen, but his story serves as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the NFL.
Source: Yardbarker
