Martavis Bryant Unhappy In Pittsburgh Requests Trade
On Sunday, reports started circulating that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant was unhappy in Pittsburgh and requested the team trade him. Could this have anything to do with the love Antonio Brown and Le’veon Bell received in Week 6’s play calls, and we are likely to see more of the same in Week 7.
For Steelers fans, the news was surprising to say the least as the team and fans have stood behind him through his numerous suspensions, including the suspension that took him out of the 2016 season.
On Monday, ESPN reported that the trade request was made weeks ago, but as of today, the Steelers don’t have any intention of trading him.
According to sources close to the situation, Bryant is frustrated about how he is being used on offense, which prompted him to ask for a trade.
Since returning from his suspension, Bryant has 17 catches on 34 targets for 231 yards and 1 touchdown.
Interestingly, his 34 targets is second on the team behind Antonio Brown, who has 74 targets. This shows that the team has been trying to keep Bryant involved in the offense more than any receiver other than Brown, but he hasn’t made the best of the opportunities he has had.
After not playing football for over a year, it is obvious to anyone that watches the sport that Bryant didn’t come into camp in the best shape, and still has some rust. As the season goes on, he will eventually work himself back into the receiver he was before the last suspension, if he doesn’t get suspended again before the season is over.
Another reason why Bryant’s number dropped this year is the fact that rookie receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, has been getting a lot of looks this season, and has been making the most of his opportunity. Smith-Schuster has 15 catches on 24 targets for 192 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Bryant, who is signed through the 2018 season doesn’t have a lot of options at the moment. If he doesn’t get traded this season, he could sit out most of next year hoping for a new contract, but with JuJu Smith-Schuster showing he is capable of being the team’s second receiver, the Steelers can afford to have Bryant sit out as many games as he wants.
When he becomes a free agent after the 2018 season, he won’t be able to get the type of contract he wants because he will be seen as a head case that could be suspended at any time. If Bryant knows what’s best for him, he will just keep a low profile and do what he can to help the team win.