Steelers Bryant downplays reported trade demand
Yes, Martavis Bryant wants a trade.
To the Golden State Warriors. Otherwise, the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver insists he’s just fine even after multiple reports that he asked the team to ship him elsewhere.
Asked Monday if he’d like a change of scenery, Bryant reiterated he’s happy in Pittsburgh.
“I’m doing fine, everything is good,” he said.
Even if - at least statistically - in his return from a year- plus suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy has been underwhelming.
Bryant caught two passes for 27 yards in Sunday’s 19- 13 victory over Kansas City and has just 17 receptions and one touchdown through six games for the firstplace Steelers ( 4- 2). His 13.6 yards per catch is more than 4 yards below his career average while splitting playing time with rookie JuJu Smith- Schuster.
“I ain’t complaining,” Bryant said. “I know my potential. I know what I can do. So the little bit I get or whatever I get, I’ve got to make the best of it. Everything else isn’t in my control.”
Bryant had five 40- plus yard receptions in both 2014 and 2015 while developing into one of the NFL’s top deep threats, but saw his promising career put on hold after getting suspended in the spring of 2016.
He spent a year away from the game trying to get his life in order and is one of the few players handed multiple drug suspensions to make it all the way back to the league.
Would Bryant like a larger role? Of course. So would every other player on an offence that already features the highest- paid wide receiver ( Antonio Brown) and running back ( Le’Veon Bell) in the league.
“I haven’t expressed unhappiness,” Bryant said. “( We are) just talking about some of the things I can do better.”
Bryant has caught less than half of the 35 passes thrown his way, but downplayed any lack of chemistry with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger saying “for the most part, it’s been pretty good.”
The two have narrowly misfired on several field- flipping plays, including a deep pass on the first snap against Chicago last month that would have been a touchdown had the wide- open Bryant been able to bring in a pass that glanced off his fingertips.
“I feel like I’m doing pretty good with the opportunities I’ve had,” he said. Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Marcus Peters ( 22) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant ( 10) during the first half of an NFL game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday.