Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire.
Martavis Bryant is joining the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad, as first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The wide receiver, who hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2018, signed with Dallas after a successful workout. Had Bryant not gone to the Cowboys, two other teams reportedly expressed interest.
According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions were both eyeing Bryant. He was scheduled to visit the Titans later this week.
The #Titans and #Lions were both interested in Martavis Bryant. He was scheduled to go to Tennessee if there wasn’t a deal with Dallas. https://t.co/rjZmhT8z1q
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 7, 2023
Bryant looked like a possible breakout star when scoring eight touchdowns in his 2014 campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The fourth-round pick registered a career-high 765 receiving yards with seven scores the following year.
However, Bryant served a season-long suspension in 2016 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
Bryant returned to catch 50 of 84 targets for 603 yards in 2017. The Steelers then traded him to the Raiders, where he settled for just 266 yards in eight games before injuring his knee.
Following another indefinite suspension, Bryant spent two years away from football before playing in the Canadian Football League. The 6-foot-4 wideout has since suited up in the Indoor Football League, Fan Controlled Football, and the XFL.
The NFL recently reinstatement Bryant, who turns 32 in December. Despite a long layoff, teams remained intrigued by a possible comeback.
Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys haven’t received significant contributions from their wide receivers. Michael Gallup has yet to find the end zone with just 243 yards, and the recently acquired Brandin Cooks has barely factored into the offense with 17 catches for 165 yards and two scores.
Bryant could conceivably provide another option down the stretch for Dak Prescott if he earns a roster spot.