Bryant is a risky proposition.
WR Martavis Bryant applied recently for NFL reinstatement from banishment for substance abuse. It’s not the first time Bryant has sought reinstatement. But this time, a more lenient NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement improves his chances of success.
If he’s reinstated, the big question is: Will Bryant return to Pittsburgh? ‘No’ is my take, and here’s why.
First of all, the Steelers have WR depth. There’s Juju at #1 with Dionte Johnson and James Washington ready to break out in 2020. And with talents Chase Claypool, Deon Cain, and Ryan Switzer on the roster, there isn’t enough room for Bryant to make a comeback.
Courtesy: thebaltimorewire.com
Second, the numbers don’t stack up in Bryant’s favor. For those who would argue that Bryant had outstanding rookie and sophomore years, I counter with the point that he did that a long time ago in ‘NFL WR time,” that is, in 2014 and 2015.
Since then, Bryant has had only 850 yards and three TD. One reason is that he missed the 2016 and 2019 seasons due to suspension. In contrast, James Washington, the Steelers’ 2019 #3 receiver, had 750 yards and three TDs last year.
What’s all of that say to me? Bryant = risk. And it’s a risk that the Steelers don’t have to take.
I know that some Steelers’ fans may be upset with what I’ve just written. But if fans step back to look at the bigger picture, clear eyes should reveal that Pittsburgh doesn’t need to take another gamble on Martavous Bryant.
