The Oakland Raiders released receiver Antonio Brown on Saturday, and franchise quarterback Derek Carr is relieved the saga is finally over.
Speaking on NFL Network, David Carr (Derek’s brother) shared that Carr used the word “relief” to describe his feelings about Brown’s release. He noted that he wanted Brown on the team but that the saga was weighing on him as a leader, per Mike Silver of NFL Network.
Of further note is that Carr says he worked with Brown more than any other receiver during any offseason in the NFL, and expressed disappointment it didn’t work out.
This has to be a brutal blow to Carr and the rest of his teammates. Brown has been a huge thorn in the side of the organization since the start of training camp. Yet he’s also one of the league’s top offensive players and one who could have certainly helped the Raiders this season.
Now, on the eve of their Week 1 game against Denver, Oakland has to move on without him.