The Saints’ Antonio Brown audition doubles as one of the highest-profile occurrences in the history of the in-season workout circuit, but the mercurial superstar does not look to be set for a lengthier New Orleans stay.
Sean Payton said Friday afternoon the Saints do not plan to sign Brown at this point, adding that this morning’s summit was “due diligence.” While any meeting with Brown would exceed such a qualifier, it may be a moot point — at least for the 2019 season.
The NFL plans to place Brown on the commissioner’s exempt list if a team signs him, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (video link). Payton confirmed (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk) that’s the information he’s received from the league. Nevertheless, Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, indicated he will continue discussions with the Saints, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The investigation into the two sexual misconduct allegations against the 31-year-old All-Pro remains ongoing, with Schefter noting no end date is known at this point (Twitter link). A Brown return to the league will likely not happen until 2020, and NFL discipline could further delay his re-emergence.
Bringing Brown in without the intention of signing him soon is an interesting move, especially considering Payton indicated the team was not interested in him when he became available in September. The 14th-year Saints HC said Friday he was not being truthful when he previously claimed the team possessed no interest in the superstar talent.
Midway through last season, the Saints worked out then signed Dez Bryant. Their 2019 receiving corps looks similar to how it did at that point, with role players surrounding new single-season reception record-holder Michael Thomas. Ted Ginn, however, has stayed healthy this season. He remains New Orleans’ top Thomas sidekick. Jared Cook, however, serves as the key difference between this year’s Thomas supporting cast and last season’s, with the tight end’s 661 yards second on the team.
He probably opened his mouth
He’s done for the season sign him in the off season if your gonna do it but I’m tired of hearing about this chump
If they’re gonna sign him anyway, why not sign him now and start the clock on his suspension/stay on the exempt list?
I’m just waiting for Antonio’s tweet about how he didn’t want to play for that cracker anyway
Why do this? I really thought Payton was smarter than this.
Probably to cover his back for when the collusion lawsuits happen
haha hard to claim Collusion when he’s been accused of sexual misconduct and teams keep signing and/or working him out…over and over
I don’t think it’s stupid to add an All-Pro receiver to your team for dirt cheap if you have good intel that he might beat his case. But besides that, Sean Payton has shown he’s willing to do anything to win, do you not remember Bountygate?
This dude is a clown. He’s shown it over, and over, and over again. He’s a garbage human being. I don’t see how that adds anything to a team, if he can catch footballs, or not. You can’t count on him.
First Dez Bryant then Antonio Brown. This can only mean Josh Gordon gets a workout next. I suspect Sean Payton is a big fan of the 3 stooges.
That made me laugh
cant wait for the tweet from the dummy about the saints being racist. You know it’s coming
I seems really stupid cause Brown is really stupid but if you get Brown even if it’s only for 3 games or so in the playoffs that’s surely all the saints need to be super bowl favourites.
Micheal Thomas and Antonio Brown would be an insane WR duo. Drew Brees has half the year off getting healthy and will be ready to go. Alvin Kamara will step it up.
And that defence can get after it 4th in the league for sacks and really strong against the rush.
Super Bowl Favorites by signing a CANCER. BAHAHA. You never played team sports. Brown the Clown is managed by PT BARNUM. They would be one and done.
Brown Is a locker room cancer but there’s no doubting that when he’s on the field he’s a top 5 WR.
And having 2 of the top 5 WRs in the league, a top 10 QB of all time and AK running the ball it would go along way to winning a super bowl. Not to mention the saints had the second most players selected after the ravens for the pro bowl with 7 players.
Super Bowls are the reason they play, I know. Still, they’re not everything. This isn’t a guy who has just made a mistake, and wants a second chance. He has a long history now. It’s the Scorpion and the Frog.
Soooo he looked bad?