Martavis Bryant had quite the 2018 season. Last April, he was traded by the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick. Then, before the 2018 season begun, a report from Michael Gelhken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal said that Bryant was facing yet another suspension.
As news hit that Bryant was facing another suspension, the Raiders decided to move on from the talented receiver, releasing him before the team’s Week 1 game. But after nothing was announced from the league, the Raiders re-signed Bryant on September 12. He played eight games for the team, catching 19 passes for 266 yards. After injuring his neck, Bryant was then placed on the injured reserve list, ending his season.
Two weeks later, the NFL announced that Bryant was suspended indefinitely for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. It was the fourth time the league had suspended Bryant due to a drug violation.
While many expected the suspension of Bryant to be a year-long ban or even a permanent one, that is apparently not the case. According to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, Bryant could be eligible to return to the league by training camp, if he follows the treatment plans laid out for him.
What makes this situation so interesting is that Bryant was scheduled to hit free agency after the 2018 season. But with his suspension, did his contract toll or do the Raiders still hold his rights? Even if he does return, will the Raiders want him back? It’s an odd situation that is still in motion, but it certainly one to monitor.
