NFL

Cowboys cut former Steelers WR Martavis Bryant, ending his latest comeback attempt

Associated Press
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 9:49 p.m. | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 9:49 p.m.

Chaz Palla | TribLive

Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant looks a the big screen after coming off the field late in the fourth quarter against the Broncos during the AFC Divisional Playoff game Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver.

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys released former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant on Wednesday, ending his latest attempt to return to the NFL following a long absence.

Bryant signed with Dallas’ practice squad last season but didn’t make the active roster. He was retained on a futures contract after the season ended.

The 32-year-old last played an NFL game Nov. 11, 2018, for Oakland before the Raiders moved to Las Vegas. Bryant has been suspended three times over substance-abuse violations.

Bryant was a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2014 and caught eight touchdowns in 10 games as a rookie. The first suspension came just before the start of his second season.

Bryant returned from the suspension in time to finish with a career-high 765 yards in 2015, but he was banned for the entire 2016 season. Bryant played 15 games for Pittsburgh in 2017 before an offseason trade to the Raiders.

The third suspension started late in the 2018 season, and Bryant signed with the Cowboys almost five years after that.