Pittsburgh Steelers: Missing Link Finally Set For Return
By Erik Lambert
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t done much complaining about it, but it’s easy to see they feel like a team playing with a gear missing from their engine.
Anybody who watched this team saw just how dominant it could be when they had wide receiver Martavis Bryant. His big 6’4″ frame and vertical speed were the perfect compliment to Antonio Brown. With him available in 2015 to spread coverages out, Brown had over 1,800 receiving yards. Ben Roethlisberger threw for just shy of 4,000 yards despite missing five games. Let that sink in. Smart money says he would’ve topped 5,000 had he stayed healthy.
Bryant had over 700 yards of his own in 11 games. He’s a genuine threat known for making big plays in big moments. The problem of course is he can’t stay out of trouble. He was suspended for all of 2016 due to violations of the league substance abuse policy. Now at last it seems he’s ready to return. Much to the excitement of the team and its fans. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network had the info.
"“Appearing on Thursday’s edition of Up to the Minute Live, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that suspended wide receiver Martavis Bryant believes he will soon be returning to Pittsburgh.“When you speak to people close to him,” Rapoport said, “they are confident that in the near future he will get word that he has been reinstated to the NFL.”Bryant is awaiting confirmation from Commissioner Roger Goodell after applying for reinstatement in mid-January.As confident as Bryant’s camp might be, the Steelers organization has been hesitant to place full faith in his availability.”"
This will be a big year for Bryant if he’s reinstated as expected. He’s 25-years old and 2017 will be a contract years. That means he’s a free agent next offseason. No doubt teams are going to be itching for a shot at him if he performs up to the level many believe him capable. They’ll also be looking to see whether or not he can stay out of trouble. This is basically his last strike.
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One more violation and he could be banned from the league for gross misconduct. Not an “honor” shared with the best of company. Bryant claims he’s matured and learned what life without football is like. He wants to prove he’s changed. A statement met with plenty of skepticism. Him playing well on the field will be what interests Steeler fans. In the end though critics will want to see if he can live up to being a man of his word.