With this week’s reinstatement of Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for his helmet attack on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, it’s quite possible another acceptance is on the horizon.
It remains to be seen if the allegations are founded or if they were false, but free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown, after months of erratic behavior (including run-ins with police and bashing former organizations and teammates), has begun his apology tour in hopes of returning to the NFL. He took to social media in recent days and publicly apologized to his former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who he had been verbally critical of repeatedly over the last year or so.
If the league’s investigation leads them to decide not to suspend Brown, what teams would take a shot at the former Pro Bowl wide receiver?
Here’s a few teams that may take the bait.
If the Cowboys fail in re-signing Amari Cooper, they may be first in line for Brown. Jerry Jones has never been one to shy away from controversial signings. Even if they do re-sign Cooper and Dak Prescott, they could still possibly take a shot on Brown.
With a receiving corp that has been injury prone over the last two seasons, Brown would be a great weapon for Carson Wentz and the Eagles.
The Bills make sense because they are a lower market team compared to Dallas and Philadelphia. This may be the place for Antonio Brown to reestablish himself and his career somewhat quietly without an abundant media presence. Josh Allen would surely welcome him with open arms.
The Broncos would be another under-the-radar suitor for Brown. An offense that by all assumptions is going to be led by second-year quarterback Drew Lock could never have too many weapons at his disposal. But this landing spot will hinge on whether or not John Elway is as forgiving as everyone else. If his main objective is to win football games, even if Antonio Brown has lost a step or two, he is still a viable weapon.
With the uncertainty of the future of A.J. Green, the Bengals will need at least one weapon for No. 1 pick Joe Burrow. It would also take some of the spotlight and scrutiny away from Burrow, as well.
All along, the Steelers were the best fit. Now, with him apologizing to Ben Roethlisberger and presumably the Pittsburgh organization soon, it could be realistic to imagine them joining forces once again as they will both have something to prove going into next season. JuJu Smith Shuster will also dramatically improve almost immediately. With the three of them having much to prove next season, the spotlight being divided could take enough pressure off of them for this destination to be a no-brainer.
If Antonio Brown is welcomed back to the league, there’s no doubt a team or two will kick the tires on him. Whether it is a team on this list or another he will get his second chance to prove he still belongs in the NFL. If not, there’s always the XFL, but Brown would have to drastically lower his asking price, whatever it is.
