2,000-yard free agent wide receiver, Martavis Bryant still eyeing NFL opportunities this upcoming training camp. According to a report, the veteran isn’t ready to hang up his cleats as he believes there’s one more chance out there for him. There’s no doubt he has a lot of football to provide for an NFL roster but time is ticking for a chance to prove his abilities as he isn’t getting any younger. Bryant’s five-year banishment from the league came to an end last November and now he’s just looking for a starting role.
He was able to earn a spot on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad but he didn’t make it to the 53-man roster during the 2023 campaign. However, the Cowboys have been drafting several rookie wideouts where Bryant didn’t have any space on the rest of the team. Bryant was able to get a workout with the Washington Commanders in May but there wasn’t no deal in place after. He was telling sources that was meeting with Panthers senior assistant Jim Caldwell but it’s still unclear if there were talks about a contract.
However, Bryant did make a name for himself being a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the team got him in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was able to notch in 14 touchdowns through his first two seasons in the league, plus two playoff scores. Suspensions slowed him down the following year but he was able to top 600 yards in 2017 before his trade to the Raiders. Bryant has been active in the league but no one to give him an opportunity as he’s still waiting.
It’s unclear what type of deal rosters will provide him but many teams could bring him in on a cheap contract.
2,000-Yard Free Agent Martavis Bryant Still Eyeing NFL Opportunity
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
It seems like the wide receiver position isn’t the biggest need for the Chiefs but it’s something to keep an eye on. After signing Marquise Brown and drafting Xavier Worthy in this year’s draft, the outlook of the wideout depth looks slim. The Chiefs may be bringing back Mecole Hardman but no one should forget that Rashee Rice is missing some playing due to off-field issues. This would leave Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore to have bigger roles in the rotation to provide a supporting cast for Patrick Mahomes.
Toney and Moore may not be ready for that so they need someone like Bryant for length. They already have the speed from Worthy and Brown so a cost-effective option like Bryant is something that Chiefs could consider. Kansas City needs length at the position if they want to see Mahomes throw those deep balls in the air.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are probably the most-needy at the wideout position despite getting numerous weapons for Justin Herbert. They aren’t anything like Mike Williams or Keenan Allen so that’s troubling considering that Herbert has strong chemistry with those weapons. Ladd McConkey has the potential to become a homegrown receiver but they need a veteran to help add some insurance policy. DJ Chark’s signing with the team is far from fixing the problem the Chargers will face with an inadequate receiver room.
Bryant is the perfect fit for this scenario who’s looking for a starting role and he may be ready for it come week one. Herbert needs a strong supporting cast so the list of youthful talent probably won’t help lead him to postseason contention.
Baltimore Ravens
Nelson Agholor is a safe wide receiver that the Ravens were able to add but they need more than him to help Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. However, Bateman has been disappointing with the Ravens but they shockingly gave him a new contract. Signing someone like Bryant would be a no-brainer for the Ravens who are looking for as many available weapons for Lamar Jackson.
