Antonio Brown is on the road to redemption with the hopes of returning to the NFL. While the former All-Pro receiver carries a lot of risks, there seems to be no shortage of suitors if he is allowed to return.
Multiple NFL teams interested in Antonio Brown
We recently learned this past week, per NFL.com’s Michael Silver, that the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks have expressed some internal interest in Brown. However, if he is allowed to play this season, it looks like both teams will face more competition.
According to The Athletic’s Jay Glazer, a bunch of teams have expressed interest or internally discussed the possibility of signing Brown.
The 31-year-old receiver experienced a disastrous year in 2019. While things started great after being traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and signing a huge contract extension, it only took a few months for everything to unravel.
Antonio Brown’s looming suspension and off-field issues
Brown started running into trouble with the Raiders immediately upon his arrival. After being fined more than $215,000 for conduct detrimental to the team, including a series of unprofessional behavior and a scuffle with teammates, he was released.
He latched on with the New England Patriots and immediately made an impact in his first game. However, the team cut him after he was accused of sexual misconduct by two separate women.
Following his second release, Brown’s behavior seemed to go out of control. In the span of a few months, he went through a stretch of extreme behavioral issues following his release by the New England Patriots. He blasted the NFL and hinted at retirement on Nov. 7 then clarified his statement the same day. He seemed to turn a corner after releasing an apology for his behavior a month later, before he went back to blasting the NFL just days later.
Brown pleaded no contest in June to a felony burglary with battery charge stemming from an incident in January. He is expected to receive a multi-game suspension from the NFL for his arrest and the sexual misconduct allegations.
Antonio Brown’s potential impact
Despite the risk and a potential lengthy suspension, NFL clubs are still interested in Brown. It’s not too surprising given his resume includes seven Pro Bowl selections and he was named first-team All-Pro four times.
If he can stay on the field and avoiding causing issues, Antonio Brown shouldn’t have much issue posting huge stats. He posted six consecutive seasons with 1,200-plus receiving yards, 100-plus receptions and nine-plus touchdowns before 2019, demonstrating his ability to be an elite receiver.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Brown is eventually signed by an NFL team, but any club would be wise to wait until the NFL determines his suspension.