Well, it looks like the Pittsburgh Steelers can add another win to the trade column as Martavis Bryant is in trouble with the NFL, yet again.
The Oakland Raiders took a chance on a player they believed was back on the path to success. Martavis Bryant only got a year under his belt before teams came calling, looking to trade their hand with Pittsburgh in return for the speedy wide receiver.
The Steelers found themselves with a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft for Bryant, after trading him to the Raiders. With the pick, they were able to secure who they believe is their next franchise quarterback, in Mason Rudolph. They also replaced Bryant with a speedy second-round receiver, and Rudolph’s college teammate, James Washington.
For Oakland, they believed they found an upgraded Michael Crabtree. After losing a wide receiver to the Baltimore Ravens, they were looking to find another piece to the puzzle alongside Jordy Nelson and Amari Cooper.
Now, they could be regretting their decision. According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Bryant could be awaiting suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
Bryant is no stranger to this situation. He missed the entire 2016 season after failing multiple substance tests. Although a failed test doesn’t necessarily mean drugs, it is an option. This could simply be failing to show up for a scheduled exam.
If Bryant is looking at a failed examination, he could be looking at another year-long suspension, or longer. It took a lot for Bryant to work his way back in to the league, and a change of team appeared to be the best thing for the receiver.
Next: Predicting the Steelers' 2018 season
Oakland is hoping this blows over into nothing, but they could be down a man in the receiving core in 2018. Not a great start to a new chapter for the 26-year-old.