Commanders Sign Martavis Bryant, Release Kicker

The Washington Commanders have made a move by signing veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant, while also releasing kicker Ramiz Ahmed.

Bryant, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers back in 2014, hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2018 when he was with the Raiders. During that season, he appeared in eight games, catching 19 passes for 266 yards.

Once a vital part of the Steelers’ offense, Bryant caught 56.3% of his passes for 1,917 yards and scored 17 touchdowns during his four seasons with the team.

Standing at 6-foot-4, Bryant brings a large presence to the Commanders’ receiving lineup, which has been a gap for the team. Currently, the team has only one other receiver taller than 6-feet-2 in training camp.

In order to fit Bryant onto the roster, the Commanders decided to release kicker Ramiz Ahmed. Head Coach Dan Quinn, who previously worked with Bryant in Dallas, noted that he’s “in really good shape and really hungry” to prove himself.

Bryant’s NFL career has had its ups and downs, including a suspension in 2016 for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. After his reinstatement, his time with the Steelers and a subsequent signing with the Raiders led to an indefinite suspension in December 2018.

Despite these challenges, Bryant hasn’t given up. He’s spent time in various leagues, including the Canadian Football League and the XFL, always attempting to find a way back to the NFL.

Coach Quinn shared that they had been keeping an eye on Bryant and even worked him out in the past. He is impressed by Bryant’s size and skill set, particularly for red-zone situations.

Bryant shared his determination, stating he’s ready for this opportunity and has been training hard to prove that he belongs.

Teammate Terry McLaurin also remarked on Bryant’s impressive presence on the field, highlighting his size, speed, and the hard work he has been putting in.