Antonio Brown - Pro Football Rumors

Antonio Brown Hints At Impending NFL Deal

June 12th, 2020 at 11:45am CST by Zachary Links

In an early morning Instagram post, Antonio Brown teased an impending deal with his fourth-NFL team. “Big 4X soon,” Brown wrote, beneath a picture of him in each of his previous uniforms with the Steelers, Raiders, and Patriots.

Naturally, this update from Brown needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The wide receiver is still awaiting clearance from the league office as he faces multiple Personal Conduct Policy violations. The NFL could clear Brown to play in 2020, but it would be a shock if he did not have to serve a lengthy suspension.

Even with all the troubling news about Brown over the past year, he remains one of the league’s most intriguing talents. In recent months, Lamar Jackson and some of his teammates have publicly petitioned for the Ravens to sign AB. Meanwhile, GM Eric DeCosta hasn’t ruled him out. He’s also left the door open to a big splash signing this summer.

“Do we feel the urgency? We probably feel that with every position,” the GM said. “We want to be the best we can be at every position. This happens to be a wide receiver class with a lot of really good players. If we’re on the clock and we think that guy is the best player, we’ll probably pick him. Hopefully we can build our offense to the point where we can say, ‘Hey, we’re un-defendable.’”

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson also says that he would “love” to play with AB, who would give the Seahawks another imposing weapon alongside featuring Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, and Greg Olsen. If AB is truly on the brink of an NFL return, it could be with one of those two contenders.

Russell Wilson Wants Seahawks To Sign Antonio Brown?

May 22nd, 2020 at 3:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

Russell Wilson expressed a desire for the Seahawks to add superstars this offseason, and although they signed Greg Olsen and Phillip Dorsett, each would fall varying degrees shy of that distinction. Wilson is aiming higher.

The Seahawks’ ninth-year quarterback “would love” if the Seahawks signed Antonio Brown, according to ESPN 710 Seattle’s John Clayton. This is not the first connection between Brown and the Seahawks, nor is it the first instance of Wilson pushing for such a move.

In November, a report surfaced indicating Wilson had lobbied for his team to sign the controversial wide receiver. The Seahawks did not, and Brown remained in free agency. He has been unattached since last September.

Although the Saints worked out Brown, even that produced controversy for a wideout who napalmed bridges over the past 18 months. The Steelers traded Brown in March 2019; the Raiders released him before last season; the Patriots cut him after less than two weeks. The former four-time All-Pro is now in legal trouble after an arrest earlier this year.

Brown is also close with Seahawks backup Geno Smith, per Clayton. Smith recently re-signed to be Seattle’s QB2. Nothing will happen with Brown this month, Clayton adds, noting that any deal between the Seahawks and the soon-to-be 32-year-old wideout would likely come to pass in July or August. That would give the NFL more time with its investigation of Brown, who will likely face a lengthy suspension.

The league is investigating Brown for multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and folded in his three felony charges — stemming from an alleged January assault on a delivery driver — into the investigation. If the Seahawks were to sign Brown, the upside may be capped by limited availability. And it is not like the team would be adding a sure thing, given the volatility that has led Brown out of the league.

Seattle is set to roll out a pass-catching corps featuring Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, Olsen and Dorsett next season. The team has drafted four wideouts in the past two seasons, including Florida’s Freddie Swain in Round 6 this year.

Lamar Jackson: “I’d Be Happy” If Ravens Signed Antonio Brown

April 21st, 2020 at 12:31pm CST by Zachary Links

On Tuesday, Lamar Jackson told reporters that he would be in favor of the Ravens signing Antonio Brown (Twitter link via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic). Of course, that wouldn’t be the quarterback’s call, but his endorsement is noteworthy nonetheless.

“I’d be happy if they signed him,” Jackson said. “But it’s not my decision.”

This isn’t the first time that Brown has been connected to Baltimore. Recently, Jackson worked out with the controversial wide receiver in South Florida, along with AB’s cousin, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Meanwhile, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta has refused to comment on his own level of interest in the one-time superstar. Earlier this month, he said that he’d keep those thoughts “in-house” while continuing to explore options at the position.

“Do we feel the urgency? We probably feel that with every position,” the GM told the team website. “We want to be the best we can be at every position. This happens to be a wide receiver class with a lot of really good players. If we’re on the clock and we think that guy is the best player, we’ll probably pick him. Hopefully we can build our offense to the point where we can say, ‘Hey, we’re un-defendable.’”

Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is still in limbo with the league office. Recently, he hired a new agent to represent him, and he’s hoping that will expedite his case with Roger Goodell & Co.

Speaking strictly from a football perspective, Brown would boost any offense – including the Ravens’ world-class unit. He has caught 841 passes for 11,253 yards over the course of his ten-year NFL career, with a good chunk of those coming against Baltimore.

Ravens GM: Keeping Antonio Brown Thoughts “In House”

April 7th, 2020 at 1:56pm CST by Zachary Links

Recently, Lamar Jackson created a bit of a stir when he worked out with free agent Antonio Brown. As a result, some have speculated about a potential fit between the Ravens and the controversial wide receiver, but GM Eric DeCosta didn’t have much to say when asked about his level of interest.

“Those are in-house things,” DeCosta said (Twitter link via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com). “I don’t really feel the need to share that right now.”

Marquise Brown – Brown’s cousin and fellow SoFlo native – also took part in the workout, further the chatter even further. The wide receiver position is somewhere on the Ravens’ to-do list this offseason, but DeCosta doesn’t sound intent on bringing Brown to Baltimore. At least, if he is, he’s keeping it mum.

Also, for what it’s worth, DeCosta recently indicated that he is happy with what he already has in-house at WR.

“Do we feel the urgency? We probably feel that with every position,” the GM told the team website. “We want to be the best we can be at every position. This happens to be a wide receiver class with a lot of really good players. If we’re on the clock and we think that guy is the best player, we’ll probably pick him. Hopefully we can build our offense to the point where we can say, ‘Hey, we’re undefendable.'”

DeCosta also opined that there are “probably 25 draftable wideouts in this draft,” an indication that he’s looking more towards the rookie class than the free agent crop.

Antonio Brown Hires Agent

April 6th, 2020 at 11:49am CST by Zachary Links

Antonio Brown has hired new representation as he looks to make his NFL return. The free agent wide receiver has hired agent Ed Wasielewski of EMG Sports, as ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets.

Wasielewski will have the unenviable task of trying to talk teams into signing the controversial wide receiver as he remains in league limbo. Just last week, Brown’s list of legal trouble grew even longer – he’s now facing three formal charges stemming from an alleged January assault. The timetable for Florida authorities to dig into the matter is unclear given the current climate and the NFL has bigger fish to fry before finally resolving Brown’s status.

There was lots of talk about Brown reuniting with Tom Brady in Tampa, but GM Jason Licht says that won’t be happening.

“We feel like there’s a lot of teams that are struggling to find one really good receiver. And we have two really outstanding receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin,” Licht said recently. “Right now, there is only so much money that can go around. There are no plans to sign any other receiver at this time.

“Antonio is somebody that Bruce has come out and had some words about, and Bruce knows him better than all of us. So right now, I would just say that we’re focused on other areas of our team.”

Ditto for head coach Bruce Arians. “Yeah,” Arians said. “It’s not going to happen.”

Despite his seven Pro Bowl nods and 11,000+ career receiving yards, Brown is going to be a tough sell for any team at this juncture.

Antonio Brown Facing Three Criminal Charges

April 4th, 2020 at 8:48am CST by Ben Levine

Welcome back to the news, Antonio Brown. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the embattled wideout is facing three formal charges stemming from an alleged January assault.

Specifically, Brown is facing “felony burglary conveyance, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal mischief charges.”

To review: a delivery driver alleged that Brown and his trainer assaulted him outside of the receiver’s Florida home. As Fowler notes, the battery charge “states that Brown was “actually and intentionally striking” the driver against his will,” while the mischief charge states that Brown “injured” the driver’s property of $200 or less. Brown had turned himself in to Florida authorities in late January and was later released on bond.

Realistic, the current coronavirus pandemic could delay court proceedings, providing extra time for Brown’s team to compile “depositions and provide its own witnesses.” Alternatively, the state may present Brown with a chance to negotiate a plea deal. The case will also be reviewed by the NFL.

It’s been a relatively quiet offseason for Brown, who’s looking to make his return to the field. There were rumblings that Tom Brady wanted to reunite with the wideout in Tampa Bay, but Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians has indicated that that isn’t realistic.

GM: Tom Brady Made Pitch To Buccaneers

March 30th, 2020 at 1:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Emerging late in the running and winning the Tom Brady sweepstakes, the Buccaneers are set for one of the biggest publicity spikes any NFL franchise has seen.

The Bucs edged out the Chargers for Brady, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback was interested in signing with Tampa Bay to the point he pitched himself to Bucs management. Brady first spoke to Bruce Arians and Jason Licht about a deal on Wednesday, March 18, and the seventh-year Bucs GM understandably exuded confidence in the team being able to sign the all-time great.

“We had a great conversation — Bruce and I — we talked to him for over an hour and a half. And he made it clear in the conversation that he was very, very interested,” Licht said during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up (via ESPN.com’s Jenna Laine). “It was almost like a recruitment on his part, telling us why it would make sense for him to come to Tampa Bay. The next call we made, we signed him, but it was at that phone call that we realized, that we felt like we had him.”

Licht first contacted Brady’s agent, Don Yee, the moment the legal tampering window opened at noon ET March 16. Two days later, the sides had an agreement in place. By Friday, the deal became official.

Brady signed a fully guaranteed two-year, $50MM deal. He joins a Bucs franchise that has Pro Bowl wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. While Brady has been linked to an Antonio Brown reunion for a while, Arians slammed that door. Brady has displayed strong rapports with slot receivers throughout his career — from Troy Brown to Wes Welker to Julian Edelman — but the Bucs are also not expected to pursue another veteran wide receiver.

“We feel like there’s a lot of teams that are struggling to find one really good receiver. And we have two really outstanding receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin,” Licht said. “Right now, there is only so much money that can go around. There are no plans to sign any other receiver at this time.

“Antonio is somebody that Bruce has come out and had some words about, and Bruce knows him better than all of us. So right now, I would just say that we’re focused on other areas of our team.”

In addition to Evans and Godwin, the Bucs have 2016 sixth-rounder Scott Miller and 2018 fifth-rounder Justin Watson under contract. Working behind the since-departed Breshad Perriman last season, those two combined for 359 receiving yards in 2019.

Arians: Bucs Will Not Consider Antonio Brown

March 26th, 2020 at 6:27pm CST by Dallas Robinson

A reunion between Tom Brady and Antonio Brown already appeared unlikely, and Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians has now removed any doubt. Appearing on CBS Sports’ “Tiki and Tierney” show (Twitter link), Arians dispelled any notion that Brown would surface in Tampa Bay.

“Yeah, it’s not going to happen,” Arians said. “It’s just not going to happen. There’s no room and probably not enough money. But it’s just not going to happen. It’s not a fit here.”

When pressed on whether he’d consider Brown on a minimum salary deal, Arians again demurred. “No. I just know him and it’s not a fit in our locker room.”

Brown, of course, hasn’t played football since Week 2 of the 2019 regular season, but he’s been linked to Brady on multiple occasions. The former Patriots signal-caller reportedly objected when New England released Brown last season following recurring off-field issues, leaving the club devoid of on-field weapons.

Arians previously worked with Brown as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 2010-11. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, don’t necessarily need any help at wide receiver; the club already boasts arguably the NFL’s best pass-catching duo in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Bucs Unlikely To Consider Antonio Brown

March 19th, 2020 at 1:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

Tom Brady and Antonio Brown played one game together, but the future Hall of Fame quarterback and a wideout who was on course for Canton have been linked to a reunion on multiple occasions this offseason. Don’t count on it coming to pass, however.

The Buccaneers are unlikely to consider a deal for Brown, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (video link). Brady is set to sign with the Bucs, who already have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in the fold. Although Bruce Arians worked with Brown in 2010-11 — when he was the Steelers’ OC — it does not sound like he on board with bringing in the mercurial superstar, Rapoport adds.

Set to turn 32 this summer, Brown has not played since the Patriots released him after his Week 2 cameo last season. Brady was not believed to support that decision, and the Pats struggled to assemble a reliable receiver depth chart for last season’s remainder.

Brown spent 2019 as a content-creating maven, going from the Steelers to the Raiders to the Pats. But multiple legal issues cropped up, including a short stay in jail, and the NFL is still investigating him because of the off-field trouble.

Although the Bucs figure to do plenty to attempt to make their prized free agent acquisition comfortable, Brown may be a bridge too far. The former sixth-round pick became a four-time first-team All-Pro and appears a lock for the 2010s’ All-Decade team, but he has become a notoriously unreliable asset. Brown filed a grievance against Brady’s former employer; that matter has yet to be resolved.

Buccaneers’ Tom Brady Wants To Play With Antonio Brown

March 18th, 2020 at 8:39am CST by Zachary Links

Teams that have spoke with Tom Brady in recent days believe that the new Buccaneers quarterback wants to reunite with Antonio Brown, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter). It’s not immediately clear whether the Bucs are willing to sign Brown, whose status with the league is still up in the air.

We also heard chatter that Brady wanted to play with Brown in the lead-up to free agency, though those were sourced from anonymous people “close” to the wide receiver. Now, we’re getting word of Brady’s desire to play with Brown directly from the teams that were courting him.

From a football perspective, it would be a huge win for the Buccaneers. With Brown, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin at wide receiver, they’d be impossible to guard for opposing defenses.

Still, the NFL says Brown’s status remains under review. Even if he’s cleared to play, the Bucs might have reservations about bringing him into the locker room. Remember, even before all of the ugly accusations and disturbing social media videos, Brown was perceived to be unstable for his behavior in Pittsburgh and the drama that nixed his Oakland tenure before it even began.

Brown has caught 841 passes for 11,253 yards over the course of his ten-year career, which includes seven Pro Bowl appearances. Brady, meanwhile, has thrown for 74,751 yards and 541 touchdowns en route to 14 Pro Bowl selections.