With the 2019 NFL season rapidly approaching, wide receiver Martavis Bryant has spent the offseason getting his personal affairs in order.
Bryant had been traded to the Oakland Raiders by the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 2018 NFL season in exchange for a third-round pick. Although he was quickly released by the Raiders, they subsequently re-signed him to a one-year deal despite rumors about having to face a possible suspension.
He was ultimately suspended indefinitely for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement toward the end of the year. The 27-year-old has since taken the appropriate course of action to potentially make his return to the league.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Bryant has officially applied for reinstatement:
Suspended former Steelers and Raiders WR Martavis Bryant has formally applied to the NFL for reinstatement. Bryant has been working with the NFL and NFLPA on steps he needs to take to address his mental health issues with resources such as therapists and ADHD treatments.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) July 15, 2019
Reports suggest that Bryant had initially planned to file for reinstatement back in May, however, he decided to take more time off before trying to make his comeback. While the extra time off prevented him from potentially getting acquainted with a team much earlier in the offseason, it is clear that he prioritized his personal well-being first before committing to a return before he was ready.
There has never been a question about Bryant’s talent when it comes to playing in the NFL. He established himself as a budding complementary option to wide receiver Antonio Brown when the two were still in Pittsburgh thanks to his rare blend of size and speed.
Regardless, he has never been able to take his game to the next level due to a combination of both injuries and suspensions stemming from his multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. With only a few years of his prime left on the table, it is safe to say that Bryant is hoping to capitalize on his potential while he is still physically capable of doing so.
Bryant was never truly able to find his footing in Oakland after finishing the 2018 campaign with a mere 19 catches for 266 yards in eight games before being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. It will be interesting to see if he is not only allowed back this season but if there are any potential suitors interested in his services.
His history with Brown could be appealing for the Raiders, although they seem pretty set a receiver after signing Tyrell Williams, Ryan Grant and J.J. Nelson and drafting Hunter Renfrow.
