It’s been quite the journey back to the NFL for Martavis Bryant. The electrifying wide receiver has been out of the NFL since 2018, but after a stint in the XFL, he has now signed with the Dallas Cowboys following his reinstatement to the league.
Breaking news in the NFL: The Dallas Cowboys are signing newly-reinstated wide receiver Martavis Bryant to a contract, according to sources. Bryant, who last played for the Raiders in 2018, had 17 touchdowns and 2,183 receiving yards in 44 career games. pic.twitter.com/vWafe37r3J
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 7, 2023
Martavis Bryant took the NFL by storm for a couple of years, dazzling with his speed and outstanding hands. One of his major highlights came in a playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he secured a touchdown pass against his legs in remarkable fashion.
This touchdown reception by Martavis Bryant was unreal. Glad to see he’s getting a chance with the Cowboys. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/veyX7r0GVL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) November 7, 2023
However, Martavis struggled to stick in the NFL due to off-the-field issues. He was eventually banned, indefinitely, by the league in 2018:
“Effective immediately, Martavis Bryant has been returned to the Reserve/Commissioner Suspended list indefinitely for violating the terms of his April 2017 conditional reinstatement under the Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.”
This resulted in Bryant having to take a unique path throughout the last few years. He signed a couple of contracts with CFL teams, but never played in the league. He also took part in Fan Controlled Football during their 2022 season.
XFL Vegas Vipers
Ultimately, Martavis Bryant landed in the XFL for their inaugural 2023 season. He was selected 5th overall by the Vegas Vipers, and was one of the top prospects coming into week one.
Vegas Vipers passer Luis Perez gets former Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant involved early in the XFL’s season opener. pic.twitter.com/90GP8RC05n
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) February 18, 2023
Bryant ended up playing in eight games for the Vipers in 2023. The team struggled as a whole, failing to find stability at the quarterback position.
Martavis finished the year with 14 receptions for 154 yards, averaging 11 YPR. He was clearly not the #1 receiver in the Vipers’ offense, as wide outs Jeff Badet and Geronimo Allison were primarily the go to targets.
That being said, Martavis was able to flash his skill sets in the XFL, which led to NFL teams showing interest during the offseason.
After being reinstated to the NFL last week, Bryant makes his way back to the league, signing with the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. Had it not been for the opportunity that the XFL provided him with, who knows if this would’ve been possible.
The XFL has now sent 67 players to the NFL. You can stay up to date on all XFL to NFL signings with our official tracker.
What are your thoughts on Martavis Bryant signing to the Dallas Cowboys PS? Which Vegas Vipers players deserve opportunities? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
