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Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 6y

Martavis Bryant wants to return to Steelers in 2018

NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- Martavis Bryant has softened on his trade request, telling reporters Tuesday that he "of course" wants to return to the Steelers in 2018 and will be ready for offseason workouts.

"Hopefully we ... bring everybody back," Bryant said from his locker the day after the Steelers' 45-42 divisional-round loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bryant requested a trade after Week 4 and was benched in Week 8 over social media comments that said teammate JuJu Smith-Schuster was "nowhere near" better than him. But the Steelers targeted Bryant 39 times over the final six weeks as he finished the year with 50 catches, 603 yards and three touchdowns.

Bryant scored a 36-yard touchdown in his lone target against Jacksonville.

When asked what changed for him over the final two months, Bryant said he wants to help bring a seventh Super Bowl to Pittsburgh.

"Love the guys here, love the coaches," Bryant said. "I don't feel like starting the chemistry all over again."

Bryant, who's a free agent after next season, said his role in the 2018 Steelers offense isn't up for him to decide. Bryant will battle with Smith-Schuster, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell for targets, but the Steelers run enough three-receiver sets to get everyone involved.

"All I can do is get better this offseason, come back in OTAs and show them that I deserve more or whatever," Bryant said. "It's a long offseason, got a lot of work to do. The work will be done and get better next year."

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