Raiders release WR Bryant as another suspension looms

Martavis Bryant's career is in jeopardy after the Oakland Raiders released him Saturday amid reports that he is facing his third suspension in four years. The NFL Network reported that Bryant is facing another ban that could sideline him for a full season or longer. The 26-year-old Clemson product was suspended for the first four games of the 2015 season and the entire 2016 season because of positive drug tests while he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders shipped a third-round draft pick to the Steelers this spring in exchange for Bryant, but he quickly fell out of favor with his new team. "He's got to get out here and play better," Raiders coach Jon Gruden told reporters during the preseason. "He's in a competitive situation. Right now, a lot of the other receivers have had a nice camp. He's just got to learn the offense. He's got to stay out here. He's had some illnesses. He's got to get on the field. He's got to master the offense and become more versatile. That's the key to making this team better." The progress never happened, and the Raiders decided to cut ties despite acquiring him for a valuable draft pick. Bryant has 126 catches for 1,917 yards and 17 touchdowns in 36 games (16 starts). He has averaged 15.2 yards per reception in his career. Minus Bryant, the Raiders will enter the regular season with Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson and Seth Roberts as their top wideouts. --Field Level Media