Martavis Bryant hasn’t played a snap in the NFL since 2018 because of an indefinite suspension for substance abuse, but the former standout WR is reportedly signing with the Cowboys after being reinstated by the league.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania broke the news on Tuesday that Dallas has signed Bryant to a contract, looking to build out its thin WR depth.
Bryant, 31, was looking like a draft steal for the Steelers back in 2014 and 2015. The fourth-round pick out of Clemson burst onto the scene with 549 yards, eight touchdowns and 26 receptions once he got his chance as a rookie. He was forced to serve a four-game suspension to start the 2015 season due to substance abuse but picked up right where he left off upon his return, going for 765 yards, six touchdowns and 50 receptions in just 11 games.
Another substance abuse suspension forced him to miss the entire 2016 season, and he was never the same player once he was reinstated by the league in 2017.
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He had 603 yards, three touchdowns and 50 receptions for the Steelers in 2017 before requesting a trade ahead of the 2018 season. Pittsburgh moved Bryant to the Raiders on draft night in 2018, but he was released before the start of the season. He ended up re-signing with Oakland but after a pedestrian eight games, Bryant was suspended indefinitely by the NFL for substance abuse.
Bryant most recently appeared in the XFL, playing eight games with the Vegas Vipers. He only had 14 receptions for 154 yards and did not score a touchdown.
However, with the Cowboys in need of some WR help, they have called on the 6-4 playmaker after he was reinstated by the NFL. Where does he fit into Dallas’ WR depth chart? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
Cowboys WR depth chart
1. CeeDee Lamb
Lamb leads the way on Dallas’ depth chart, as the Second Team All-Pro WR is amidst another productive season. Through eight games, the two-time Pro Bowler has 824 yards and three touchdowns on 57 receptions, and he is clearly QB Dak Prescott’s favorite target.
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2. Brandin Cooks
The Cowboys brought in Cooks this offseason and although they probably would have hoped the veteran WR would have made a bigger impact, he has still been a solid safety valve for Prescott. Through six games, Cooks has corralled two touchdowns, but he only has 17 receptions for 165 yards.
3. Michael Gallup
Gallup was looking like a terrifying counterpart to Lamb after he had 1,107 yards, six touchdowns and 66 receptions in his second NFL season, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his full trajectory. He missed seven games with a calf injury in 2021 and suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 last season.
His ACL injury did not leak into the 2023 season, but he only has 22 receptions for 243 yards and has not scored a touchdown.
4. Jalen Tolbert
Tolbert has seen a mix of snaps at WR and on special teams, but he made his presence felt on offense in Dallas’ Week 9 loss to the Eagles. The second-year utility player had three receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown, bringing him to 10 receptions and 120 yards on the season.
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He remains at the No. 4 spot on the WR depth chart for now, but Bryant could slide ahead of him once he gets accustomed in Dallas.
5. Martavis Bryant
Bryant comes in at No. 5, assuming the Cowboys signed the 31-year-old with the intention of using him. It has been five years since Bryant has played a snap in the NFL, so it will take time for him to learn the playbook and get up to game speed.
But with Dallas’ lack of depth at the position, don’t be surprised to see the former standout WR get a fair chance at some playing time.
6. KaVontae Turpin
Turpin comes in below Bryant solely because he is more of a special teams weapon for Dallas, returning both kicks and punts. He has made his impact felt on offense in a variety of ways, though, tallying three total touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving) with 66 rushing yards and 69 receiving yards on seven carries and seven receptions.
7. Jalen Brooks
Brooks, a rookie seventh-round pick in 2023, has only appeared in two games for the Cowboys. He has played 20 offensive snaps and 24 special teams snaps, but has not recorded a catch.