Steelers won't franchise tag Martavis Bryant in 2019

[RaynorShyne]

No surprise to anyone here:

Martavis Bryant will get a chance to test the open market next season.


In his recent Q&A, Bob Labriola of Steelers.com confirmed that the Steelers won't place the franchise tag on Bryant after the 2018 season. Bryant will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.

"No," Labriola said when asked if franchise tagging Bryant is an option. "Too much money for a receiver on a team that already has Antonio Brown."

https://247sports.com/nfl/pittsburgh-ste...-117465899

Question is: does this de-motivate him into complacency in 2018/9 - or does it put a chip on his shoulder?

[mcmillenandwife]

Question is: does this de-motivate him into complacency in 2018/9 - or does it put a chip on his shoulder?

He's already had a chip on his shoulder. Didn't change a thing. I hope he has a HUGE season, but my expectation is the same old half-a$$ed on again-off again display of talent. A few amazing plays mixed in with lackluster effort, on-field confusion with reads and sloppy routes.

[RaynorShyne]

Question is: does this de-motivate him into complacency in 2018/9 - or does it put a chip on his shoulder?

He's already had a chip on his shoulder. Didn't change a thing. I hope he has a HUGE season, but my expectation is the same old half-a$$ed on again-off again display of talent. A few amazing plays mixed in with lackluster effort, on-field confusion with reads and sloppy routes.

If Smith-Schuster continues to develop alongside AB - Marcanibus will be a forgotten "could-have-been" - though my wishes are for a big season also.

[sandfan]

It's certainly good to have Brown and Smith-Schuster but what's behind them if one goes down? Bryant is unsteady but an incredible talent when he wants to be. Wanting is the key. Along with surviving drug issues.

Maybe we can find another 3rd round gem so Bryant won't hurt if/when he leaves. But for now and maybe the future the team and offense is stronger and more dangerous with him. My view anyway.

[RaynorShyne]

The Steelers have traded Bryant to the Raiders for the No. 79 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh announced Thursday night.

[Cali-Steeler]

Here in California he can get all the Pot he wants - and smoke away his future with the Raiders...

[Chucktownsteeler]

Marcanibus with the Raiders, what could possibly go wrong?