It had been almost two weeks since there were any rumors about former Steelers, Raiders and Patriots receiver Antonio Brown, so we were overdue for some regarding the talented but troubled multiple-time All-Pro selection. Could Brown actually play for the already-loaded Baltimore Ravens this season?
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said recently during an interview with Adam Schein on Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports Radio that it wasn't 100 percent out of the question that the Ravens might sign Brown when asked specifically about him.
"We're always assessing the players out there on the streets," DeCosta said. "We're looking at guys, we're making decisions that we think are best for the club, and if we think there's a guy out there who fits us, who's got the skill set to provide value, we'll certainly pounce on that type of guy."
While that's a not exactly a ringing endorsement of signing Brown or a flat-out denial the team would not do so – unlike what Bucs coach Bruce Arians has said about Brown reuniting Brown with Tom Brady: "Not happening." – this is somewhat interesting because Brown has worked out with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, who is Antonio's cousin.
Last month, Jackson said: "I'd be happy if we signed him. He's a great player, he shows it each and every year. … But it's not my decision."
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Baltimore could use an upgrade at receiver with its projected top two as of now being Marquise Brown and Willie Snead. The Ravens drafted Texas receiver Devin Duvernay in Round 3 last month and SMU wideout James Proche in the sixth round. He had an FBS-leading 111 receptions last season.
William Hill sportsbook lists Brown at +2200 on the moneyline odds to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The problem with a possible wager that is that even if Brown signed with a team, he's probably looking at a long suspension for all his recent off-field legal issues. Brown almost surely would land on the commissioner's exempt list immediately upon signing.
