The Baltimore Ravens are known for their explosive offense, led by the reigning MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Despite finishing the previous season with a 14-2 record, the Ravens were eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Tennessee Titans, highlighting their need to improve in certain areas if they want to contend for a Super Bowl title.
One of the areas that the Ravens could improve in is their wide receiver corps. While they have some talented receivers on their roster, they lack a true number one receiver who can consistently make big plays and help stretch the opposing defense. That’s where Antonio Brown comes in.
Antonio Brown is one of the most talented and productive receivers in NFL history, but he has also been one of the most controversial and divisive figures in the league in recent years. After leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in acrimonious circumstances and a brief stint with the New England Patriots, Brown has been out of the NFL since September 2019 due to off-field issues and allegations of misconduct.
However, Brown has been working hard on his football skills and his personal life in recent months, and he has been dropping hints on social media that he may be interested in joining the Ravens.
One of the biggest hints that Brown has dropped is a video he posted on his Instagram account in July, where he is seen working out with Jackson and Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown, who happens to be Antonio’s cousin. In the video, Jackson says to Brown, “We’re going to try to get you to Baltimore anyway,” to which Brown responds, “Hey, we got a little bit of time for that.”
This video sparked speculation among Ravens fans and analysts that the team could be interested in signing Brown to bolster their receiving corps. While there has been no official word from the Ravens or Brown himself on the matter, it is worth examining whether Brown would be a good fit for the team.
The Pros of Signing Antonio Brown
1. Elite Talent
There’s no denying that Antonio Brown is one of the most talented receivers in NFL history. In his career, he has accumulated 11,263 receiving yards, 75 touchdowns, and has been selected to seven Pro Bowls. Brown has the ability to make contested catches, run precise routes, and break tackles after the catch. With his excellent speed and quickness, he can create separation from defenders and turn short passes into big gains.
2. Better Receiving Corps
While the Ravens have some talented receivers on their roster, the addition of Brown would give them a true number one receiver who can consistently make big plays and help stretch the opposing defense. This would provide a significant boost to the Ravens offense, which has relied heavily on the running game and short passes to tight ends and slot receivers in recent years. With Brown, the Ravens would have a deep threat who can take the top off the defense and make big plays down the field.
3. Chemistry with Lamar Jackson
The video of Jackson, Marquise Brown, and Antonio Brown working out together suggests that the three players have a good relationship and chemistry. This could translate to success on the field, as Brown would have a quarterback who can deliver accurate passes and keep plays alive with his mobility, while Jackson would have a reliable target who can make tough catches and move the chains.
4. Low Risk, High Reward
The Ravens have a history of taking chances on players with off-field issues and giving them a second chance to succeed. In the case of Antonio Brown, the risk could be low, as the team can sign him to a short-term deal with incentives based on performance and behavior. If Brown can stay out of trouble and perform at a high level, the Ravens could have a dynamic receiving corps that makes them a favorite to win the AFC.
The Cons of Signing Antonio Brown
1. Off-Field Issues
Antonio Brown has had a tumultuous few years, with a legal battle over unpaid fees, allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, and numerous social media outbursts. While Brown has been trying to restore his reputation and show that he is a changed man, there are still concerns about his behavior and whether he could be a distraction to the team. The Ravens pride themselves on having a strong team culture and may be wary of bringing in a player who has had so many issues in the past.
2. Age and Durability
Antonio Brown will turn 32 this year, which is getting up there for an NFL receiver. While he still has plenty of talent, there are concerns about his durability and whether he can stay healthy for a full season. Brown has missed significant time due to injuries in the past, and the Ravens may be hesitant to sign a player who could be a liability if he gets hurt again.
3. Cost
Antonio Brown is a proven superstar and will likely command a significant salary if he is signed by the Ravens. While the team has some cap space to work with, they also have other areas of need to address, such as the offensive line and pass rush. The cost of signing Brown could limit the team’s ability to address those needs and could put a strain on their long-term financial flexibility.
Conclusion
The Baltimore Ravens are in a unique position to contend for a Super Bowl title, with a talented roster and a young, dynamic quarterback in Lamar Jackson. While the team has some holes to fill, one area where they could improve is their receiving corps. The addition of a player like Antonio Brown could provide a significant boost to the team’s offense and make them a dangerous contender in the AFC.
However, there are also concerns about Brown’s age, durability, and off-field issues, and the team will need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of signing him. Ultimately, whether the Ravens decide to pursue Brown will depend on their appetite for risk, their evaluation of his character and talent, and their ability to balance short-term success with long-term financial stability.
References:
1. Antonio Brown Drops Hint at Joining Baltimore Ravens-Article by Bob Hille, Bleacher Report
2. Baltimore Ravens Official Website https://www.baltimoreravens.com/
3. Antonio Brown Stats https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/15798/antonio-brown
4. NFL Rumors – Antonio Brown to Baltimore? https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-rumors-antonio-brown-to-baltimore-ravens-in-2020-season-is-not-impossible/
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