It’s been a long and challenging road for wide receiver Martavis Bryant in his long journey back to the NFL. On Tuesday, Bryant signed with the Washington Commanders. The 32-year-old hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2018.
At 6-foot-4, 208 pounds, Bryant has the size that Washington currently lacks at wide receiver, outside of Brycen Tremayne. As head coach Dan Quinn said on Tuesday, Bryant looks like a linebacker playing receiver.
It was Quinn who wanted to take a chance on Bryant after practicing against him last season. Bryant signed with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad in November and worked against Quinn’s defense daily.
“Martavis has a really cool skill set,” Quinn said. “He’s got size and length and the ability to use him in the red zone.”
Here’s Bryant in his first Washington practice:
Martavis Bryant, welcome to Washington!
The wide receiver hasn't played in an NFL game since 2018.
He has one more shot with the Commanders. pic.twitter.com/pxE5Yg3KXC
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 13, 2024
After Tuesday’s practice, Bryant chatted with the media and is grateful for this opportunity.
“Great opportunity, truly blessed, thankful for the organization, thankful to be here, super excited,” Bryant said.
How does Bryant plan to get up to speed?
“Talking to the coaches, talking to my teammates, getting familiar with everything, it’s my first day, so I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
Bryant believes his brief time on the Dallas practice squad helped him earn this opportunity with Washington.
“Being on the practice squad in Dallas last year was definitely good because he got to see me every day. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to play, but he got to see me in practice.”
What does Bryant think of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense?
“Super exciting, guys out here making plays, guys out here working hard and playing fast.”
Bryant acknowledged he never knew if another opportunity would come, but he would always be prepared, noting he played at 230 pounds last season and is down to 208 pounds when he signed with the Commanders.
It’s difficult to know what Bryant can offer. Quinn saw enough in practice against his top-five defense last season to think that Bryant still has plenty to offer. Early in his NFL career, Bryant appeared destined for superstardom. He could take a short hitch and run through, past and around defenders for a touchdown. He had it all: Size, speed, hands.
This is a low-risk signing for the Commanders. If Bryant isn’t better than any of the team’s top six receivers, they can cut him and move on. If they like the others better for now, they could sign him to the practice squad and give him more time to learn the offense and bring him up.
It will be interesting to see Bryant in Washington’s final two preseason games and how much action he gets compared to some of the other receivers battling to make the 53-man roster.
Martavis Bryant pic.twitter.com/RGwl44zoww
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 13, 2024
