While NFL free agent news has been crazy since Monday, arguably the NFL's most talented receiver hasn't been mentioned as a possibility to be signed by any club: Antonio Brown. Technically, Brown is a free agent but it goes without saying that he carries just a bit of baggage.
With Tom Brady signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reports are that Brady wants to play with Brown again. AB of course was acquired in a trade by the Raiders from the Steelers last March, but Brown was such a headache during training camp for Raiders coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock that he was cut before the regular season. Brown had been due $30 million in guarantees, but didn't get any of that money; he has filed a grievance.
The Patriots have a history of fairing well with troubled players – Randy Moss, for one – so they quickly signed Brown to a one-year, $15 million deal. Brown got into one game with Brady, a Week 2 43-0 win in Miami in which Brown caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Alas, more off-field issues caused the Patriots to cut bait only a few days later. Brown filed a grievance against the Patriots as well.
Brown apparently made an impression on Brady because there are numerous reports that Brady now wants the Bucs to sign Brown. The two have stayed in touch since Brown's release from New England and Brown said on a radio show in Oakland last month that they would like to make a reunion happen.
SportsLine NFL oddsmakers have a prop asking whether Brown will play with the Bucs at some point this season, with no a -250 favorite and yes at +190.
Surely, the Bucs would like to make Brady as happy as possible. However, Tampa Bay already has the best receiving duo in the NFL in Pro Bowlers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (that would be a terrifying trio with Brown, though).
In addition, Brown is certainly facing a lengthy suspension from Roger Goodell for all his issues in the past year: Allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, plus charges of alleged burglary and assault/battery. Brown would be placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List if signed by a club.
From SportsLine NFL oddsmakers: Will Antonio Brown play with the Tampa Bay Bucs at some point in the 2020 season?
