Coach Dan Quinn have been vigorously signing free agents specifically targeting key…

Dan Quinn, since becoming head coach of the Washington Commanders, has been actively signing free agents, particularly targeting former players from his time with the Dallas Cowboys. The trend began with defensive lineman Dorrance Armstrong, who secured a $22 million three-year deal. Subsequently, he added center Tyler Biadasz with a yearly salary of $9.75 million and a $20 million guarantee. Additionally, he brought in edge rusher Dante Fowler and cornerback/special teamer Noah Igbinoghene.

Quinn’s focus appears to be on assembling a roster with familiar faces from his previous team, evident in his pursuit of former Cowboys wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Bryant, a fourth-round pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014, faced setbacks, including a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy in 2016. Despite this, he returned in 2017 and contributed with 50 receptions, 603 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.

In 2018, Bryant was traded to the then-Oakland Raiders for a third-round pick but was released before the season due to another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Despite this, he was re-signed 10 days later and finished the season with 19 receptions and 266 receiving yards in eight games. While Bryant shows promise in terms of receptions, his history of suspensions raises concerns about his reliability.

After his stint with the Raiders, Bryant had a tumultuous journey, including signing with the CFL team the Toronto Argonauts in 2021 but never playing due to a training camp suspension. He moved between teams and leagues before returning to the NFL with the Cowboys’ practice squad in November of the previous year.

Having not played in an NFL game since 2018, with much of his time spent suspended, Bryant’s return to the league has been uncertain. Despite being released from the practice squad in January, he re-signed with the Cowboys on a futures deal for after the season. Quinn’s interest in Bryant is evident, having reportedly worked him out on Wednesday, May 15th. Whether Bryant joins the Washington Commanders’ roster remains to be seen, but the 32-year-old veteran appears to be seeking another chance in the NFL.