Antonio Brown, the former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been in the headlines for the past year due to his off-field controversies. However, the Baltimore Ravens are reportedly considering signing Brown to their roster. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what the addition of Brown would mean for the Ravens.
Background on Antonio Brown
– Antonio Brown is a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-Team All-Pro.
– He has played for three teams in his career: the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
– In 2019, Brown was released by the Oakland Raiders after multiple off-field incidents, including a confrontation with the team’s general manager.
– He signed with the New England Patriots shortly after his release from the Raiders, but was cut after just one game due to allegations of sexual assault.
– Brown eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and played in eight games, recording 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns.
Why the Ravens are Considering Signing Brown
– The Ravens have experienced a rash of injuries to their wide receiver corps this season, with Marquise Brown, Willie Snead, and Miles Boykin all missing time due to various injuries.
– Brown has a proven track record as one of the most productive receivers in the NFL when he is on the field.
– Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has expressed interest in playing with Brown, stating in a press conference, “I’d be happy if we signed him. He’s a great player.”
Potential Concerns with Adding Brown
– Brown’s off-field issues are well-documented and have led to him being released by multiple teams.
– The Ravens have prided themselves on their “team-first” culture, and Brown’s past behavior could potentially disrupt that culture.
– Brown is currently serving an eight-game suspension for multiple violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He will be eligible to play in Week 9 of the NFL season.
Potential Benefits of Signing Brown
– Brown’s on-field production would instantly improve the Ravens’ wide receiver corps.
– His presence could open up the field for Jackson and the Ravens’ running game, as defenses would have to account for Brown.
– The Ravens have shown a willingness to take chances on players with off-field issues in the past, most notably with linebacker Ray Lewis, who was involved in a murder investigation early in his career but eventually became one of the most beloved players in team history.
Alternatives to Signing Brown
– The Ravens could look to the free agent market for a receiver, as several experienced veterans such as Dez Bryant and Donte Moncrief are currently available.
– They could also look to promote from within, as young receivers Devin Duvernay and James Proche have shown promise in limited action this season.
Conclusion
The addition of Antonio Brown to the Baltimore Ravens’ roster would certainly bring some risk, given his off-field issues. However, his proven on-field production and the Ravens’ need for a reliable receiver make it a tempting proposition. Ultimately, it will be up to Ravens management to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks and make a decision that is in the best interest of the team.
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