Antonio Brown is teasing that his return to the NFL could be just around the corner. Now that one of his biggest off-field issues is handled, the All-Pro receiver can now focus on making his return to the gridiron and taking advantage of a second chance in the NFL.
There is simply no denying Brown’s talent. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection who was also named first-team All-Pro four times, the 31-year-old is still one of the NFL’s best receivers. Of course, he didn’t get a chance to prove it in 2019 as behavioral and criminal issues led to him being cut twice then kept out of football.
Brown is still facing a suspension this season due to his arrest and a league investigation into two separate allegations of sexual misconduct. However, as we’ve learned over the years, NFL teams are willing to look past character issues to add an elite talent. Given how sharp he has looked in training, we expect NFL teams to be interested in signing Brown.
Here are five NFL teams that should seriously consider signing Antonio Brown before the 2020 season.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens already head into the 2020 NFL season as a Super Bowl contender. Lamar Jackson, the unanimous NFL MVP this past year, is one of the hardest working players in the league. After experiencing an ugly playoff loss this past season, we expect even more growth from Jackson in 2020. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s defense is stronger than before and will enter as one of the best units in the league.
Yet, we still believe Antonio Brown would be a fantastic addition for the Ravens. He worked out with Jackson and Marquise Brown, his cousin, in April. Adding Brown’s All-Pro talent to this offense would add a new dynamic that would make this passing attack even more difficult to stop. The Ravens seem open to the move and if they decide to go through with it, they could become the favorites to win Super Bowl LV.
Seattle Seahawks
We know another star quarterback who would love for his team to sign AB. The Seahawks have been pretty quiet this offseason, staying away from big moves and preparing to go for it once more with the same approach. Russell Wilson is capable of carrying this team and we love the duo of Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, but another star wouldn’t hurt.
The Seahawks have an incredible history of bringing in players with some red flags and getting the best out of them. In Seattle, Brown would be in a great environment and could catch passes from one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Wilson has been begging the Seahawks to make this move for nearly a year, it might be time for the team to relent.
Minnesota Vikings
Yes, this scenario sounds crazy. The Vikings traded away Stefon Diggs because he created drama on social media and has a very outgoing personality. However, the team made it work with him for years and only traded Diggs away when the Buffalo Bills overwhelmed them with an offer.
Besides, the Vikings might need all the help they can get this year on offense. Dalvin Cook is threatening to hold out through the regular season if his price isn’t met and the sides aren’t close on an extension. Losing Cook and Diggs would be devastating for this offense, but Brown would bring back that big-play threat. If the Vikings would take the risk on Brown, they could become the team to beat in the NFC North.
Washington Redskins
Playoff contenders should primarily be the only teams that consider signing Antonio Brown. He will miss games this season whenever the league decides on his suspension. Teams on the bubble can’t afford to lose his talent for that long, but a club that is looking to draw fans and help their young quarterback grow could be a different story.
Brown and Dwayne Haskins already have chemistry, having worked out together for multiple offseasons. While he might have caused Ben Roethlisberger some headaches in Pittsburgh, there’s also a reason Tom Brady loved having AB. Even entering his age-32 season, Brown is one of the NFL’s most explosive weapons when he is out there. A playmaker like that would help give Haskins more confidence and will elevate his game to demonstrate why he can be Washington’s franchise quarterback.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers practically ignored their alarming need at wide receiver this offseason. While they did sign Devin Funchess, he has routinely proven that he isn’t a starting-caliber receiver at this level. After trading up and using a first-round pick on a quarterback for the future, Green Bay owes it to Aaron Rodgers to make a big splash.
While it might seem like Rodgers and Brown would clash, he appreciates great players who can get open. We’ve seen that Brown is one of the best receivers at creating separation and making incredible catches. A duo of Brown and Davante Adams, paired with the backfield of Rodgers and Aaron Jones, would be unstoppable. It’s not often we see this organization take risks, but this is one it should roll the dice on.