The Raiders are re-signing free agent Martavis Bryant to a one-year deal, per Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link) first reported Bryant was nearing a deal with Oakland, while Mike Garafolo (Twitter link) first noted Bryant was back in the Raiders’ facility.
Bryant is reportedly facing a year-long suspension after once again violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, but nothing official has yet been announced on that front. As such, Bryant is eligible to sign and play until the league formally bans him.
Bryant is expected to play on Sunday, according to Pelissero, which would represent quite the turnaround for the 26-year-old pass-catcher. For now, he’ll slot into a receiver group that includes Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson, Seth Roberts, and Brandon LaFell.
Oakland sent a third-round pick to Pittsburgh for Bryant earlier this year, but subsequently waived him during final cutdowns. Bryant passed through waivers (presumably because rival clubs believe he’ll be suspended), and was free to sign with any team.
By signing Bryant, the Raiders aren’t taking much of a financial risk. If he ultimately is suspended, Bryant wouldn’t collect his paycheck from Oakland while he’s away from the club. And he’s unlikely to ink anything more than a minimum salary contract, anyway.
The Raiders are such a joke lol
There should be a sign at the facility entrance that reads: MVP? get lost
Facing suspension? please enter
Seriously though
So Gruden gave away a 3rd rounder for free and is now trying to save face
Pretty much. Bryant has all the tools to be a Plaxico Burress type guy but no way in hell will he ever.
I think the fact that he cleared waivers is a clear indication he’s facing a very lengthy suspension.
Or teams don’t want a guy who complains incessantly that AB takes all the touches.
That’s like being on a chess team with Bobby Fischer and him making 95% of the moves. Really?
Raiders need Checker’s references
Raiders will be the laughing stock of the league. They are worse than the browns and that is bad.
The hung with a NFC powerhouse in their opener and clearly didn’t play their best game (tons of penalties) Don’t see evidence of them being a historically bad team like some seem to suggest.
If Mason Rudolph becomes the Steelers’ starter one day, it will be one of the best trades in NFL history.
A roll of the dice on a potential franchise QB for free.
Unfortunately, a talented kid who is more interested in smoking weed than playing football.