Recently reinstated WR Martavis Bryant signs with new team after five years out of NFL

The NFL officially reinstated wide receiver Martavis Bryant over the weekend, and it has not taken him long to get an opportunity to resume his career.

Bryant will be joining the Dallas Cowboys practice squad after working out with the team this week, according to multiple reports including The Athletic's Shams Charania and Cowboys beat writer Michael Gehlken. 

Bryant last played in the NFL during the 2018 season when he was a member of the Oakland Raiders. He was suspended indefinitely after running afoul of the league's drug testing policy. He also missed the entire 2016 season due to a suspension.

When he was not suspended, Bryant looked like he was a rising star in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was an electrifying talent and was one of the best big-play receivers in the league due to his rare combination of size and pure speed. 

In parts of four seasons, he has 145 catches for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns.

As promising as Bryant's career looked early on, Cowboys fans should have some realistic expectations here.

He not only turns 32 years old later this season, but it has also been five years since he last played in the NFL. That is a long time off, and it is not going to be easy to just jump right back onto the field and start making an impact, especially now that he is into his 30s. Not having the physical wear and tear that comes from playing in the NFL on a consistent basis might help a little physically, but there is still going to be a big adjustment period here. 

The Cowboys have one of the top offenses in the NFL this season, averaging more than 27 points per game, but they could use a little help at wide receiver. CeeDee Lamb is having a great year, but they are not getting much from Michael Gallup, Brandin Cooks or Jalen Tolbert. 

If Bryant can work his way back onto the active roster and make an impact that would be a pretty significant addition to the Cowboys offense.