Could Martavis Bryant actually get cut by the Raiders?

Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden recently commented on the status of wide receiver Martavis Bryant following practice last Saturday.

And while Gruden later called Bryant a “great talent” there have been other reports that align with Gruden’s comments about Bryant needing to learn the offense better.

It’s been over a week since training camp kicked off. The fact that Bryant is still having a hard time with Gruden’s system doesn’t bode well for his roster status, especially when the other receivers are on schedule. He’s had the last three months to get accustomed to the team, which I would understand if he was just having some rough edges. But it sounds like he’s under performing more than expected.

The Raiders traded a 3rd round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Bryant during the draft in April. A trade that I thought was overpriced considering it was a 3rd rounder for a player with a troubling history.

Martavis Bryant was the sexy receiver acquisition outside of Jordy Nelson, but it’s been Ryan Switzer who has been receiving all the praise from the media.

If he continues to miss his stride, then I could see Gruden having no issues with cutting him. However, I really don’t think Gruden will cut him even if Bryant isn’t able to step his game up.

Gruden would basically be saying he made a mistake for trading for Bryant by cutting him since the trade was his idea. He would definitely want to save face and just keep him on the roster, as he should. It would be a waste to cut Bryant now when they could’ve just used the pick drafting a player.

Bryant could also start coming around and explode on the scene come the regular season, which is all that really matters. Still, I would understand Gruden cutting him. Why keep a player who is struggling when you have others who are fully sound with the playbook?

I wouldn’t stress too much on Gruden’s comments because for all we know, he only went public about it to motivate Bryant. That actually would be disappointing if that is case. What more motivation does Bryant need in a contract year? No matter what way you look at this, it currently doesn’t look too hot for Bryant. You just hope that he comes around soon to avoid getting cut.