The Washington Commanders have significantly overhauled their organization in just one offseason. Washington started from the top with a new ownership group. They also added a new general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, as well as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders also put in plenty of work on the roster during free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft. Rookie minicamps are well underway and it appears that Washington is kicking the tires on a veteran receiver from the Roethligberger-era Steelers.
According to John Keim and Tom Pelissero, the Washington Commanders will work out wide receiver Martavis Bryant today.
Martavis Bryant was released by Dallas last week. In 2023, he spent half of the season on the Cowboys' practice squad after he was reinstated by he NFL in November.
Bryant received a drug-related suspension in 2016. He was suspended indefinitely in 2018 as punishment for violating the terms of a conditional reinstatement after the first suspension. Bryant applied for reinstatement in 2019 and was finally reinstated in November of 2023.
Washington is simply kicking the tires on a player who potentially has some upside. The 32-year-old doesn't have a lot of tread on his tires, so there is the possibility that he could have another decent NFL season in him. It doesn't hurt the Commanders at all to check.
Martavis Bryant was an important weapon in the twilight years of Ben Roethlisberger's time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He put up back-to-back 50-catch seasons in 2015 and 2017 and topped 600 receiving yard and 3 TDs in each of those seasons.
Most recently, Bryant appeared on the Raiders in 2018 where he played a limited role, only logging 19 receptions for 266 yards.
Throughout his career, Bryant has logged 145 receptions, 2,183 receiving yards, and 17 TDs.
Previewing the 2024 Commanders offense
Regardless of whether Bryant sticks on the Commanders or not, it is good to see them keeping their options open. Washington's offense made some big acquisitions this offseason, but they could still use all the help they can get.
Washington brought in a platoon of new players during free agency, including a handful of players who will have a role on offense in 2024. Jeff Driskel and Marcus Mariota signed one-year deals and will become backups and mentors to rookie Daniels. They addressed offensive line with Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, and Michael Deiter. There is still work to be done there, but progress was made. Finally, Austin Ekeler signed a two-year deal and joins a backfield with Brian Robinson Jr. Ekeler isn't as explosive as he once was, but it is easy to see him step into the role Antonio Gibson was had and play with more consistency.
The Commanders selected Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Washington also added a pair of weapons in tight end Ben Sinnott and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey. They also added o-line depth with versatile rookie Brandon Coleman.
Washington may not be ready to take the NFC East by storm in 2024, but they have invested wisely in the future. Jayden Daniels should have a functioning offense around him, which will help him adjust to playing in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how many players will stick around in 2025.
