Armonty

Bryant

Bryant, who signed with Oakland less than a month ago, was released with a “non-football illness designation.” The 27-year-old has been suspended three times for substance abuse violations since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2013. His last NFL action came with the Lions in 2016 when he recorded five tackles and three sacks over 104 defensive snaps.

Bryant spent 2017 out of the league after getting cut from Detroit. Suspensions have limited him to just five appearances the last two seasons. Bryant has been a solid pass rusher when on the field, posting 12 sacks in 36 games. He’ll compete for a sub-package role in Oakland.

The former Browns seventh-round pick was forced into retirement last year after being diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a chronic kidney illness that requires daily dialysis treatments. Bryant is down to 235 pounds, much lighter than his playing weight of 270. Bed-ridden at his home in San Diego, the 28-year-old is seeking a kidney donor. Obviously it’s a serious situation and we hope Bryant gets the help he needs to overcome his illness. The East Central alum recorded 67 tackles and 11.5 sacks over his four-year NFL career.

Less than a week after being drafted, Bryant -- a defensive lineman -- was pulled over and issued a standard sobriety test. Police “had problems” getting Bryant to comply with blowing into a breathalyzer, attempting “the test at least 10 times.” The result eventually was a .098, above Oklahoma’s legal limit of 0.08. Bryant also “repeatedly refused” to blow into an Intoxilyzer. Clearly not the brightest tool in the shed, Bryant was suspended three games as a senior after being arrested on two occasions for trying to sell $20 worth of marijuana to undercover officers. An arrest like this could seal Bryant’s walking papers in Cleveland.

Originally enrolled at Abilene Christian, Bryant spent one season there and did not play. Bryant transferred to JUCO before ending up at Eastern Central. He only played in eight games as a senior, as he was suspended after being arrested for selling marijuana to an undercover police officer. Bryant still managed 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks. In Cleveland, 6-foot-4, 263-pound Bryant will have to bulk up to play end in Ray Horton’s 3-4. He’s not being viewed as an outside linebacker.

He also owes $1,136 in fines. Bryant is expected to report when the Browns begin their rookie minicamp on Thursday. His mistake hasn’t cost him his (long) shot at a roster spot.

Bryant, the 217th overall pick, has had an eventful start to his NFL career. Shortly after the draft, he was arrested and charged with drunken driving in Ada, Oklahoma. Bryant recently said that he’s now sober after struggling with drugs and alcohol in the past. He’ll compete for a roster spot.

Already banned Weeks 1-4 for PEDs, Bryant could miss several more games after being convicted of “attempted drug possession” following a guilty plea on Wednesday. In other words, Bryant didn’t even get the drugs. As Bryant was arrested and charged for DUI shortly after the 2014 draft, he was already in the NFL’s substance abuse program. We probably won’t see him play much this year.

The ban stems from a summer drug arrest. Bryant was suspended the first four games of the season for violating the PED policy. It’s a decent-sized loss for the Lions’ awful defense, as Bryant has three sacks in four games. He’ll return in Week 13.

Bryant was suspended the first four games. He’ll be active after getting claimed off waivers this week. The Lions also promoted LB Steve Longa from the practice squad while waiving WR Aaron Dobson and OT Brian Mihalik.