Antonio Brown

Buccaneers, Antonio Brown Agree To Deal

October 23rd, 2020 at 6:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

6:08pm: This moved fast. Brown’s one-year Buccaneers deal is done, Schefter reports (on Twitter). As of now, Brown will be eligible to make his Bucs debut in Week 9 against the Saints.

5:52pm: Brown’s Bucs negotiations are “99% done,” according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud (on Twitter). The former Steelers superstar’s latest chance at reviving his career looks almost certain to occur in Tampa.

5:17pm: The Buccaneers appear to have reversed course on Antonio Brown. They are bringing him in for a visit, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.

While the Seahawks still have interest in the superstar wide receiver, Wilson adds the Bucs are the expected team to land the mercurial free agent. The sides have already begun working toward an agreement, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The Seahawks remain in discussions with Brown, but the high-profile free agent is flying to Tampa tonight. Other teams remain interested as well, though Brown and the Bucs each have “extreme interest” in finalizing an agreement, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (Twitter link).

This accord will not cover Brady’s Tampa tenure. While Tom Brady has been pushing for Brown for a while, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports this will be a one-year agreement (Twitter links). Brady is signed through 2021. Though, if Brown can rebound from the span that cratered his career, the Bucs would seemingly have interest in keeping him around next season.

Bruce Arians said shortly after the Bucs’ Brady signing the team was not interested in Brown, despite the quarterback’s push for the four-time All-Pro. Arians said at the time a deal was “not going to happen” and Brown was “not a fit here.” However, the Bucs can be viewed as one of the NFC’s frontrunners and made an all-in move when they signed Brady.

Brown would equip Brady with arguably the best weaponry of his career, upon joining Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski. Arians coached Brown for two seasons when he was the Steelers offensive coordinator, so if Brown does sign with the Bucs, it will be interesting to learn what changed between the Bucs HC’s March comments and now. It could be as simple as Brady having convinced his new coach to sign off on reuniting with Brown. Brady and Brown indeed discussed the prospect of playing together again before the QB’s Bucs agreement.

Brady was reported to be against the Patriots releasing Brown last season. Brown is out until at least Week 9 due to his suspension, and the 32-year-old wideout runs the risk of having his ban increased. The NFL is still investigating Britney Taylor’s sexual assault allegation, and Brown’s civil trial in this case is upcoming.

A Brown signing would carry risk, obviously. Since reeling off one of the greatest stretches in wide receiver history, Brown torpedoed his career with a months-long volatility spree. The Steelers traded him after he essentially no-showed their Week 17 game in 2018, and Brown clashed with the Raiders quickly and did not play a game for the team. The Patriots used him in Week 2 of last season, but after text messages from Brown threatening a separate sexual misconduct accuser emerged, New England became the third team to move on from him in 2019. He then spent 13 months in free agency, a time during which he was arrested in connection of an assault on a delivery driver.

This deal being now heavily reported is interesting; the Seahawks were the team most closely connected to Brown this year. Russell Wilson has stumped for the wideout both in 2019 and this year and worked out with him this offseason. He was still lobbying for Brown at the 11th hour, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. Brown spoke with Wilson and Geno Smith about an agreement this season.

Both the Bucs and Seahawks already have strong aerial cadres, but Brown’s brief New England stay with Brady may be enough to give the Bucs the edge. Both Evans and Godwin have battled injuries this season, and Gronkowski is one of the NFL’s most injury-prone players. Brown would also provide insurance — as strange as that sounds — against more Bucs skill-position injuries.

Should Brown sign with Tampa Bay, the team will have the 2010s’ top two touchdown scorers. Gronkowski edged his 2010 draft classmate 78-75 here, and the 2019 season barely factored into these totals. It would be fascinating to see these two team up after not playing (excepting Brown’s four-catch, 56-yard Patriots game) last season. Brady has been inconsistent this season, ranking 19th in QBR. The Bucs having Brown for eight games would certainly help their Super Bowl cause, considering their defense leads the league in DVOA.

Seahawks, Other Teams Looking Into Antonio Brown

October 21st, 2020 at 3:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

With Antonio Brown‘s eight-game suspension entering its final stretch, the Seahawks are circling back to the mercurial All-Pro. Other teams are also in the mix now, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

The Seahawks, however, have been the team most closely linked to Brown this year. Both of Seattle’s QBs, Russell Wilson and Geno Smith, worked out with Brown this offseason and have stayed in touch with him regarding the idea of a Seahawks signing. Pete Carroll confirmed the Seahawks are “tuned into” this situation and added the team’s interest is not connected to the delay on Josh Gordon‘s potential reinstatement (Twitter links via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta).

No contract talks with Brown have commenced, per Schefter, but the Seahawks have been monitoring this situation for many months. Brown was believed to be interested in signing with Seattle in July, but this preceded another retiring/unretiring sequence from Brown. The NFL then announced the eight-game suspension, and teams backed off. The Seahawks moved to re-sign Gordon, but nothing concrete has emerged on his reinstatement. And despite Brown being three years older, at 32, he has proven to be a bigger on-field difference-maker than Gordon in recent years.

With other teams in the mix for AB now, the former Steelers superstar is poised to resurface in NFL news cycles (after a rare stint out of the limelight). Brown, though, is not out of the woods. The civil suit he’s involved in could extend his suspension beyond eight games. And matters are not going especially smoothly on that front. The NFL’s investigation into Britney Taylor’s sexual assault allegation remains ongoing, per Mark Maske of the Washington Post (on Twitter).

Brown’s historic volatility gives any upcoming deal a “last chance” feel. But despite his Pittsburgh, Oakland and New England exits, teams may be competing to give him that final opportunity.

Extra Points: Gordon, Brown, Thomas, Texans

October 4th, 2020 at 5:37pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

A pair of high profile players, receiver Josh Gordon of the Seahawks and defensive lineman David Irving, are both still waiting on answers from the league office. Both are suspended indefinitely, and decisions on reinstatement are overdue under the terms set by the collective bargaining agreement, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com writes. Gordon applied for reinstatement in June and Irving in July and neither has heard back yet despite the CBA stipulating a decision is supposed to be made within 60 days, according to Schefter.”David has done everything asked of him,” Irving’s agent Steve Weinberg said. “He’s been drug tested, he’s met with doctors and I don’t get it. Why have 60 days in the program if they’re not going to abide by it.”

“We’re baffled why we don’t have a decision,” Weinberg continued. “We’re at a loss as to why this hasn’t been ruled on yet.” Gordon has an agreement in place with the Seahawks, but can’t officially sign until Roger Goodell gives him the go-ahead. Irving is a free agent. Both have been suspended numerous times for substance abuse policy violations, and Irving announced in 2019 he was quitting football before changing his mind back in February. Both players are talented and still relatively young, and it’s unclear what the holdup is. Perhaps the league scrambling to make COVID-19 related changes has put certain things on the backburner. We’ll keep you posted whenever the league responds.

Here’s more from around the league:

Speaking of guys in trouble with the league office, we have an Antonio Brown update to pass along. The embattled receiver is dropping his countersuit against the woman who accused him of sexual assault, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). He also requested an extension to turn over evidence related to the civil case against him. In a follow-up tweet Pelissero notes that his suspension could be extended if new evidence emerges. Brown is now halfway through the eight-game suspension he was hit with earlier this year. Given his undeniable talent it would seem likely a team gives him a shot at some point once his ban is over if he can avoid anymore off-field trouble. Texans coach Bill O’Brien seemed to leave the door open to bringing in Brown a couple of weeks ago, but that was quickly followed by a report indicating that won’t be happening.
Brown isn’t the only controversial veteran the Texans have flirted with. Last week it looked like Earl Thomas was on the verge of signing in Houston, only for things to fall apart at the last minute. Now we have more clarity on what changed. “Numerous” Texans players spoke up about their desire not to have the veteran safety in the locker room, sources told Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. That apparently convinced O’Brien, who is also the team’s GM, to back off. Thomas has developed a reputation for being difficult to get along with in recent years, even though that wasn’t an issue early in his career with the Seahawks. He had a bitter divorce from Seattle, and was then of course cut by the Ravens after getting into a fight with a teammate and having Baltimore’s veterans ask the front office for his release. Houston played the Ravens in Week 2, and La Canfora notes that the subject of Thomas came up during conversations between players on the two teams. If he’s this strongly disliked by some of his fellow players, it could be a while before Thomas finds a new home.

Texans Won’t Pursue Antonio Brown

September 25th, 2020 at 2:51pm CST by Zachary Links

The Texans could use the help at wide receiver, but they won’t be calling on Antonio Brown. Despite comments from head coach Bill O’Brien that seemed to leave the door open, the Texans do not have interest in AB, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).

The post-DeAndre Hopkins era is off to a rough start. The Texans are winless and the passing game seems rudderless, even under the guidance of Deshaun Watson. Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb fared better against the Ravens than they did in the season opener against the Chiefs, but the Texans will need sustained production in order to turn things around. Next up, a road matchup against the 2-0 Steelers that could put them in an 0-3 hole.

Over the course of his ten-year career, Brown tallied 841 receptions for 11,253 yards and seven Pro Bowl appearances. Not long ago, Brown was regarded as a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the game’s most dangerous offensive talents. At this point, it’s unclear if the 32-year-old will play again. He’s got six games to go on his eight-game ban from the league office and a reputation for disrupting locker rooms. The Texans, apparently, want no part of it.

Stars Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson lobbied for Brown throughout the offseason, but the Ravens and Seahawks both came to the same conclusion. If they didn’t have enough sway to spark a deal, then it’s possible that no GM or owner will be convinced to sign him.

Texans Won’t Rule Out Antonio Brown

September 25th, 2020 at 9:44am CST by Zachary Links

After an 0-2 start, the Texans are open to all avenues for improvement. That apparently includes controversial free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown. On Friday morning, head coach Bill O’Brien didn’t dismiss the possibility of signing AB.

“I would never discuss anything in that regard,” O’Brien told reporters (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle). “Right now, we’re very satisfied with what we have. You never say never to anything. I don’t anticipate anything whether that player or any other player.”

From a football perspective, the Texans could surely use Brown. Between their losses to the Chiefs and the Ravens, the Texans have fallen short by a combined 31 points. Life without DeAndre Hopkins is hard, as many expected. Receivers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb were brought in to help fill the void, but, so far, they’re not quite clicking with plays from offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.

Even if the Texans wanted to bring in Brown today, they’d have to wait another six games before getting him on the field. Still in the midst of his suspension, Brown is also busy with more legal matters. Just recently, a Florida judge ordered Brown to turn over text messages and other evidence pertaining to a civil suit from a woman who accused him of rape and sexual assault.

Latest On Antonio Brown

September 17th, 2020 at 9:31am CST by Zachary Links

A Florida judge has ordered Antonio Brown to turn over text messages and other evidence pertaining to a woman who has accused him of rape and sexual assault in a civil suit (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of NFL.com). At the same time, the judge refused to mandate a psychiatric evaluation for Brown.

The free agent wide receiver has seven games to go on his eight-game ban from the NFL. That suspension stems from two separate and unrelated incidents and the league has indicated that Brown could face additional discipline for any new evidence that may emerge.

It’s not a given that Brown will get an opportunity to return to the field upon reinstatement. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Seahawks star Russell Wilson both lobbied for Brown this summer, but both clubs ultimately decided to pass on him. For what it’s worth, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters in July that he’s willing “look at any and every player” and that Brown is “no exception.”

Ravens Won’t Sign Antonio Brown

August 17th, 2020 at 11:11am CST by Zachary Links

The Ravens are interested in Dez Bryant, but they will not consider Antonio Brown, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). Lamar Jackson has pushed for the Ravens to sign his workout pal, but owner Steve Bisciotti is not interested.

There was, at least, a glimmer of hope recently when head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that he’s willing to “look at any and every player” and that Brown is “no exception.” Brown, apparently, is an exception. His troubling off-the-field issues and the club’s history with Ray Rice have soured any potential deal.

Brown must serve an eight-game NFL suspension before returning to the field. Even then, it’s still not clear if he’ll get an opportunity. Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson would love to bring him to Seattle, though Pete Carroll seems more inclined to reunite with Josh Gordon.

Brown, 32, has tallied 841 receptions for 11,253 yards over the course of his career, which includes seven Pro Bowl appearances.

Seahawks Interested In Antonio Brown, Josh Gordon

August 4th, 2020 at 9:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks are monitoring Antonio Brown‘s situation and they’re “very open” to re-signing Josh Gordon, head coach Pete Carroll says (via Geoffrey C. Arnold of The Oregonian). Brown was recently hit with an eight-game suspension from the NFL, meaning that he wouldn’t be able to play until November. Gordon, meanwhile, is waiting for word on his bid for reinstatement.

The Seahawks are set to go into the season with Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, Phillip Dorsett, and David Moore as their top receivers. From a pure talent perspective, Gordon or Brown would provide Russell Wilson with some serious offensive firepower.

“What I’d say to you is what we always say because it’s what we always do and who we are,” Carroll said, in reference to Brown. “[Seahawks GM] John [Schneider] is competing at every turn. There’s never been a process, unless we just missed it, that we weren’t involved with to understand what the chances were of helping our club. He’s all over it. He understands what’s going on right now, as much as you can. It’s a very complex situation. We just need to see where it fits somewhere down the road. That’s all I got for you.”

Brown, 32, comes with some very obvious complications. He could also face even more NFL discipline. His eight-game ban covered only some of his personal conduct policy violations; the league could consider another suspension for an alleged sexual assault.

Carroll seemed to indicate that a Gordon reunion was more likely to happen. Of course, the Seahawks will have to wait for Roger Goodell‘s verdict before making a move.

“It’s not in our hands,” Carroll said. “Josh did a really good job with us last year. He fit in really well. He was part of this team by the way we opened and embraced his coming to us but also by the way he adapted. So we are very open to that thought, and we’ll see what happens. I don’t know. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen on that.”

NFL Hands Antonio Brown 8-Game Ban

July 31st, 2020 at 5:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

2:58pm: Brown is not expected to appeal this suspension, Pelissero notes (via Twitter). This will shelve him until at least Week 9. However, the civil suit in which he’s currently involved could add more games to the ban.

1:45pm: The NFL has finally revealed the length of Antonio Brown‘s suspension. He will receive an eight-game ban, Robert Klemko of the Washington Post reports (on Twitter). The league has announced the suspension, which stems from “multiple violations” of the personal conduct policy.

This suspension will begin Week 1, whether Brown is on a roster or not, and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero adds that the acclaimed wide receiver could face additional discipline if further violations are uncovered in a civil suit in Florida (Twitter link). The civil suit is regarding former trainer Britney Taylor’s sexual assault allegations. The next hearing in that case is set for Sept. 15, Pelissero tweets. Brown has backed out of settlement talks in this case multiple times.

So, the finality the four-time All-Pro sought has emerged. But it will severely impact his 2020 status. Should Brown sign with a team before the regular season begins, he would, however, be eligible to practice, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Brown has backtracked on retirement a few times now; the most recent such occurrence took place last week. The mercurial free agent wanted clarity on an investigation that began almost a year ago. The NFL has investigated Brown for three separate incidents — the Taylor allegations of sexual assault and sexual harassment, an allegation of sexual misconduct by an unnamed artist (and the texts Brown sent regarding this matter), and the wideout’s alleged assault on a deliver driver in January — and a lengthy suspension was expected.

However, the league’s initial punishment does not include the Taylor case. The league is still investigating that matter, Mark Maske of the Washington Post tweets. It will wait until the civil suit’s conclusion before handing down any additional punishment. That could further restrict Brown’s ability to play this season. Even if eight games will be the final number, Brown will have been out of action for more than 13 months by the time he returns.

The former Steelers superstar landed on the All-Decade team and was on a surefire Hall of Fame trajectory going into Week 17 of the 2018 season. Since his Pittsburgh tenure began to unravel after he missed his former team’s final 2018 game, the once-traded, twice-released talent has traversed a historic path of self-destruction. His Raiders stay involved a few high-profile controversies and ended with no games played. The Patriots did deploy Brown in a game but cut him before its Week 3 contest last year. Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson and Tom Brady have lobbied for their respective teams to sign Brown, but his impact will be limited in 2020.

The NFL’s release mandates Brown continue undergoing counseling and warned him that any future violations of the personal conduct policy would result in a more significant penalty. Given the events of the past 19 months and Brown going into what would be his age-32 season, he is almost out of time to resurrect his career. That said, one of the game’s top pass-catching talents will be available (as of now) to potentially impact the 2020 playoff race.

Ravens Won’t Rule Out Antonio Brown

July 30th, 2020 at 10:58am CST by Zachary Links

Maybe Lamar Jackson will get his wish after all. When asked about the possibility of signing Antonio Brown, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that he’s willing to “look at any and every player” and Brown is “no exception,” (Twitter link via Aditi Kinkhabwala of NFL Network). Then, in reference to Brown’s murky status with the league office, Harbaugh addressed the obvious.

“I don’t think he’s available right now,” said the coach.

Jackson and Marquise Brown (AB’s cousin) would love to welcome Brown to Baltimore. Ditto for Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson. The NFL, it seems, is less than interested in bringing the controversial wide receiver back to the game. Brown’s investigation has dragged on for months and the league office has yet to provide his camp with meaningful status updates.

Brown, of course, has given the NFL a whole lot to sift through. Between the ugly allegations, legal entanglements, social media outbursts, retirements, and un-retirements, it’s hard to make sense of his situation.

The 32-year-old has tallied 841 receptions for 11,253 yards over the course of his career, which includes seven Pro Bowl appearances. At this moment, he’s aiming for a return in 2020, despite previous concerns about the health “risk [being] greater than the reward.”

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