Embattled wide receiver Antonio Brown is set to sign a one-year contract with Tampa Bay after passing Covid-19 protocols and finalizing the terminology of the contract, which is likely to include several incentives. Reportedly, Tom Brady was a driving force behind the signing.
Tom Brady has helped push to bring Antonio Brown to Tampa, and the free-agent WR now arrives there tonight. pic.twitter.com/QRpu4IC6sg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2020
The often eccentric receiver spent time in the 2019 offseason with the then-Oakland Raiders before ending up in New England with the Patriots. He played one game in the Northeast before being released by the team after new allegations of sexual assault(s) were revealed. Prior to that, Brown had a falling out with the Raiders for a multitude of issues from hot air balloon entrances to helmet attachment, and an “accident” in a cryogenic chamber which rendered his feet useless for training camp.
Brown has stayed in tremendous shape in his time away, though he has not played in an NFL game since Sept. 15, 2019. In the one game for New England, he caught four passes from Brady for 56 yards and a touchdown, after which he leapt into the stands. Shortly after being released by the Patriots, Brown went on a tirade. He lashed out at the NFL, the Patriots, and “retired” on multiple occasions over several months.
That said, the only organization that loves attention more than Antonio Brown is the National Football League. Miraculously, with the latest signing by the Buccaneers, Brown will be eligible to play as soon as Week 9. Say what you want, but Roger Goodell recognizes that the talented but troubled wideout means dollars for the league.
For his career, Brown has tallied 841 receptions and accounted for 11,387 total yards from scrimmage. There is zero doubt in football circles that he is still able to play. The question is whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are prepared to take on the star’s personality. Before the allegations popped up during his tenure in New England, Brady seemed to have a connection with him and helped to encourage a more subdued persona. Bruce Arians’ no-nonsense approach is not unlike that of Patriots coach Bill Belichick. It should be expected that he will approach Brown with a “my way or the highway” process.
The Buccaneers already are loaded with weapons for their offseason acquisition in Brady. The addition of Brown is building a video game cheat-code type of team, that they hope they can ride through the playoffs. They’ll need Brown to be a team player and not expect to come in and be the No. 1 threat. If he fits, the offense will be nearly unstoppable. However, if he does not, he could drag the entire operation down with him.
Fans in Tampa Bay hope the next retirement is after he has helped bring a championship or two to the Gulf Coast.
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