The Baltimore Ravens are coming off one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history, with a record of 14-2. However, their playoff success was somewhat lacklustre, as they were quickly eliminated in the divisional round by the Tennessee Titans. Despite this, there is still plenty of optimism surrounding the team’s long-term future, and the potential acquisition of star wide receiver Antonio Brown could be a huge boost to their chances of success.
Brown has had a tumultuous few years since his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, but there is no denying his talent on the field. As a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team All-Pro, Brown’s production speaks for itself. In his last full season in the NFL, he recorded 1,297 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Even at 32 years old, he remains one of the most dynamic receivers in the league.
There are plenty of reasons why the Ravens should be interested in acquiring Brown. Here are just a few:
1. Brown would provide a significant upgrade to the Ravens’ receiving corps
The Ravens’ receiving corps was solid in 2019, but it lacked a true number one option. Marquise Brown, the team’s first-round pick in 2019, showed promise as a rookie but dealt with injuries throughout the season. Veteran receiver Willie Snead was a reliable target, but he doesn’t have the same explosiveness as some of the league’s top receivers. Brown would instantly become the Ravens’ top receiver and give quarterback Lamar Jackson a legitimate threat downfield.
2. Brown has experience playing with Jackson
While Brown never played with Jackson in the NFL, the two did spend time together during the offseason. Jackson posted a video on Instagram in April 2019 of himself throwing passes to Brown, who was a free agent at the time. The two also worked out together in Florida earlier this year. While this might seem like a small detail, it could be important in terms of chemistry between the two players. Jackson already has a strong connection with tight end Mark Andrews, and adding Brown could help take the Ravens’ offense to the next level.
3. Brown would be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Ravens
There’s no denying Brown’s off-field issues in recent years. He was released by both the Raiders and Patriots last season amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. However, if the Ravens were to sign him, it would likely be a short-term deal with a low salary. If Brown were to cause any problems off the field, the Ravens could simply release him without a significant impact on their salary cap. On the other hand, if Brown were to stay out of trouble and perform well on the field, the Ravens would have acquired one of the league’s best receivers at a bargain price.
Of course, there are also reasons why the Ravens might be hesitant to sign Brown. Here are a few:
1. Brown’s off-field issues are a concern
As mentioned earlier, Brown has been involved in several off-field incidents in recent years. The allegations of sexual assault and misconduct are particularly concerning, and any team that signs him would need to do its due diligence in investigating these allegations thoroughly. Brown also famously clashed with his coaches and teammates in Pittsburgh, which could be a concern for a Ravens team that prides itself on its close-knit culture.
2. Brown could be a distraction in the locker room
Even if Brown were to avoid any further legal trouble, his personality could still be a concern for the Ravens. He has been known to be temperamental and difficult to work with in the past, which could cause friction in the locker room. The Ravens have one of the most stable and successful organizations in the league, and adding Brown could upset that delicate balance.
3. Brown’s production has declined in recent years
While Brown is still an elite receiver when he’s on the field, his production has declined in recent years. In 2018, he recorded 1,297 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 games. In 2019, he played in just one game and had four catches for 56 yards. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be able to return to his previous level of production, especially given his age and recent off-field issues.
So should the Ravens sign Brown? Ultimately, it’s a decision that will depend on a number of factors, including the outcome of the league’s investigation into his alleged misconduct. However, if the Ravens believe that Brown can stay out of trouble and perform at a high level on the field, he could be a game-changer for their offense.
In addition to his on-field talent, Brown also has the potential to help the Ravens attract other free agents. He has been one of the league’s most well-known players in recent years, and his presence on the roster could help convince other players to sign with Baltimore. This could be particularly important for a team that is looking to take the next step after coming up short in the playoffs last season.
All in all, the potential acquisition of Antonio Brown would be a huge coup for the Baltimore Ravens. While there are certainly risks involved, the potential reward is enormous. If Brown can stay out of trouble and return to his previous level of production, he could help the Ravens become one of the league’s most dominant teams for years to come.
#Ravens #Score #Big #Potential #Acquisition #Antonio #Brown