On July 29th, 2021, the world of professional football experienced a shock as reports emerged that Antonio Brown might be signing with the Baltimore Ravens. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout the NFL fanbase, and many were left wondering how the explosive wide receiver could fit into the Ravens’ roster. Brown, who has had a tumultuous career, was last seen in action with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with whom he won a Super Bowl ring. The announcement of his possible signing with the Ravens comes as something of a surprise to many, and here, we’ll take a closer look at what the move could mean for the player, the team, and the league as a whole.
Background
Antonio Brown has built up a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dynamic and exciting players over the course of his career. In his early years, he spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with whom he made six Pro Bowls and was named All-Pro four times. However, his career trajectory took a downward turn in 2019 when he was released by the Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots after a string of controversial incidents. In the following year, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he caught seven touchdowns and helped the team to the Super Bowl. However, his tumultuous off-field behaviour remained an issue, and the Buccaneers recently decided to let him go.
The Announcement
The possibility of Brown signing with the Ravens was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Within hours, the news had taken the NFL world by storm, and experts began weighing in on what the move could mean for both the player and the team. While some expressed scepticism, others saw the move as a potentially brilliant one, and a chance for Brown to redeem himself after a string of off-field issues.
Why the Ravens?
So why would Brown consider signing with the Ravens, and why would they want him? For starters, the team is known for having a strong culture and a track record of success. Coach John Harbaugh has built up a winning team that has made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. Additionally, the Ravens have an explosive quarterback in Lamar Jackson, who won the NFL MVP award in 2019. Brown would add another weapon to an already potent offence, giving Jackson another reliable target to throw to. Furthermore, the team’s infrastructure could help Brown to stay out of trouble off the field. The Ravens have a culture of discipline and accountability, and Brown could benefit from being in such an environment.
How Brown Fits In
If Brown does sign with the Ravens, the question on everyone’s lips will be how he fits into the team’s offensive scheme. Brown is known for being a dynamic, playmaking receiver who can get open and produce touchdowns. However, he’s also known for being volatile and difficult to manage. The Ravens’ offensive scheme is built around a strong running game, and Jackson’s ability to move the ball with his legs. However, they could benefit from having another reliable receiver to throw to. In 2020, the Ravens’ receiving corps was something of a weakness, with no receiver catching more than five touchdowns. Brown’s addition could add some much-needed explosiveness to the team’s passing game and help open things up for their run game. Furthermore, his experience and leadership qualities could help mentor and guide younger members of the receiving corps.
Potential Roadblocks
While the move could be a positive one for both Brown and the Ravens, there are potential roadblocks that could prevent it from being successful. The biggest hurdle is Brown’s past behaviour. He has been involved in a number of controversies, including accusations of sexual assault, domestic violence, and theft. He’s also had run-ins with the law, including an incident in which he was charged with battery of a delivery driver. Brown’s off-field issues have cost him a great deal of goodwill in the league, and many teams have been hesitant to sign him. While it’s possible that Brown could turn his career around, the risks associated with signing him are high.
Another potential factor is Brown’s fit within the Ravens’ offensive scheme. While he is known for his playmaking abilities, he is also a somewhat high-maintenance player who demands a lot of attention. The Ravens have a team-first culture, and there is a risk that Brown could disrupt that culture if he doesn’t buy in. Additionally, the Ravens are a run-heavy team, and it’s possible that Brown may not get as many targets as he’s used to. If he’s not able to adapt to a more limited role, he could become a distraction.
Conclusion
Although nothing has been confirmed regarding Brown’s potential signing with the Ravens, the rumours have already generated a great deal of interest and speculation. If the deal does go ahead, it will be fascinating to see how Brown fits in with the team and whether he can help the Ravens to reach even greater heights. However, there are still a number of potential roadblocks that could prevent the move from being a success, and it remains to be seen whether the risk will ultimately pay off. Only time will tell, but in the meantime, NFL fans will be watching with great interest to see what happens next.
References
Benjamin, Cody. “Antonio Brown to Ravens? Why the Widely Disliked Former All-Pro Would be a Perfect Fit in Baltimore.” Pro Football Network. 29 July 2021. Web.
Hensley, Jamison. “Why Antonio Brown Signing With Ravens Could Make Sense for Both Sides.” ESPN. 29 July 2021. Web.
Mayer, Larry. “Should the Ravens Sign Antonio Brown?” Baltimore Ravens. 30 July 2021. Web.
Rosenthal, Gregg. “Antonio Brown Visits Ravens Without a Contract.” NFL.com. 30 July 2021. Web.
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