Chicago Bears: Controversial, intriguing free agent wide receivers
By Ryan Heckman
Martavis Bryant
You want controversial? Let’s get controversial. Following a similar path as former Patriots and Browns wide receiver, Josh Gordon, Martavis Bryant simply can’t stay out of trouble. It really is simple for Bryant: Lay off the drugs.
Sounds easy, right?
For guys like Bryant and Gordon, though, it’s not that simple. Both of them will need to get the help they require over the offseason for them to have any shot at being reinstated.
Yes, in case you forgot, Bryant is under an indefinite suspension for multiple violations of the league’s substance abuse policy. However, there is a possibility of being reinstated prior to training camp in 2019.
Gordon and Bryant are suspended, not banished (which would be one year minimum). So, it’s possible they could be back by training camp. Of course, this can’t be said enough: everything depends on getting better and following their treatment plans. That’s where the focus is now.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 7, 2019
For his entire career, people have been dazzled by the combination of size and speed from a guy like Bryant. He’s a deep threat, but a big-bodied deep threat. At 6-foot-4, with blazing speed, he’s a borderline elite talent when he’s putting his effort to the maximum. In 44 career games played, he’s scored 18 touchdowns.
Truly, I’ve seen plays where he has completely left his man in the dust on a route, and finished with a ridiculous score. If you can’t remember, go search his name on YouTube followed by the word “highlights.” You’ll get a glimpse of that potential he’s always had.
Hot. Bears: Potential free agent adds from NFC North. light
Now, the big question is, is he going to be reinstated? If so, he needs a locker room where he will have the support he needs to finally move past his issues. If the Bears’ locker room didn’t show you a tight-knit family last year, you were watching the wrong team.