The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for drafting elite talent at the wide receiver positions. There are too many names to recognize when it comes to those drafted in the last two decades. Talent is one thing, but some haven't panned out due to off the field issues. One of the big names that comes to mind is former wide receiver, Martavis Bryant. He hasn't played an NFL game since playing for the formerly known as Oakland Raiders in 2018. Now, he is set for a comeback as the NFL has reportedly reinstated him and he is eligible to sign with any team.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, there are already teams that have been calling Bryant and are interested in bringing him in to play in 2023, despite the long break away from the field.
He had an incredible start to his career in Pittsburgh with 11 receiving touchdowns in 2014 and 2015, but his career quickly began to fall off after he was suspended multiple times due to violating the league's substance abuse policy. The final indefinite suspension came in 2018 after he violated the terms of one of his previous bans after reinstatement.
At 6'4" and roughly 210 pounds, the pass catcher was a vertical threat and had immense talent. He has played 44 total games throughout his NFL career and was able to haul in a total of 145 catches for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns. It's unlikely that a reunion will occur, but General Manager, Omar Khan has already surprised everyone many times in his short tenure as the head of the front office.
Steelers defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward, said earlier in 2023 that the new NFL rule changes would potentially open the door for the wide receiver to get back on an NFL football field. Per Pelissero, that now is a real possibility. Bryant might be 31 years of age, but if he still has what it takes to be productive, several teams may want to bring him in for, at the very minimum, a work out.
Pittsburgh's wide receiver room is in flux right now with some George Pickens drama and the unit as a whole has had issues moving the ball down the field. A guy like Bryant could possibility come in, play 30 percent of the offensive snaps and be a red zone threat. One has to wonder, however, what kind of shape Bryant is in.
Former Steelers Wideout Set For Return To The NFL
Regardless of where Bryant ends up, it's good to see that he might have the chance to play in the NFL again. He probably doesn't have what he once did, but he always seemed like a good dude that now will get another chance. This is a developing story and Steeler Nation will continue to be updated as more news regarding it comes to light.
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