Antonio Brown Drops a Hint: Could He be Joining the Ravens for the 2021 Season?
The off-season is always full of rumors swirling around the NFL, but one recent rumor that has gained some serious traction revolves around one Antonio Brown possibly signing with the Baltimore Ravens for the 2021 season. The rumor mill began churning when Brown himself posted a workout video on social media from a Baltimore-area gym in early May, prompting speculation about the possibility of him donning the purple and black this coming season.
While Brown’s workout video doesn’t necessarily mean he has signed with the Ravens, it does raise some interesting questions about what the future could hold for the former All-Pro wide receiver. In this article, we will explore the potential reasons why Brown could be a good fit for the Ravens, as well as some of the potential drawbacks to signing him.
Why Would Antonio Brown be a Good Fit for the Ravens?
There are a number of reasons why Antonio Brown could be a good fit for the Ravens. Here are just a few:
1. He Brings Experience and Talent to the Wide Receiver Position
Despite a rocky few years that included run-ins with the law and controversy around his behavior both on and off the field, there’s no denying that Brown is an incredibly talented athlete. He’s been selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, was a four-time First Team All-Pro, and led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2014 and 2018.
On top of his undeniable talent, Brown would also bring a wealth of experience to the Ravens’ young wide receiver corps. The team’s current top receivers (Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, and Devin Duvernay) are all 25 or younger, with a combined total of just four years of NFL experience. Adding a seasoned veteran like Brown to the mix could provide valuable leadership and mentoring to the team’s young receivers, helping them develop into more effective playmakers.
2. He Has a Familiar Connection to Lamar Jackson
One of the biggest arguments in favor of Brown joining the Ravens is his previous connection to Baltimore’s star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. The two played together in college at the University of Louisville, and have reportedly remained close ever since.
Adding Brown to the Ravens’ receiving corps could give Jackson a trusted target he’s already familiar with, who has proven to be an effective receiver in the past. This familiarity could also help the Ravens’ coaching staff better tailor their offensive schemes to suit Jackson’s strengths and preferences.
3. He Could Help Make the Ravens a More Explosive Offense
While the Ravens have been among the most successful teams in the NFL in recent years, their offense has sometimes been criticized for being too one-dimensional. With Jackson as their starting quarterback, the team often relies heavily on the running game, with play-action passes and short passes used to complement that strategy.
Adding a dynamic receiver like Brown to the mix could give the Ravens more options on offense and help them become a more explosive team overall. With Brown’s speed and ability to make big plays, he could provide a downfield threat that the Ravens have sometimes lacked in recent years.
What are the Potential Drawbacks to Signing Antonio Brown?
Of course, there are potential downsides to bringing Brown into the fold as well. Here are some of the major concerns:
1. His Off-Field Issues Could be a Distraction
Brown’s off-field issues have been well-documented over the past few years, and they have caused significant headaches for the teams he’s played for. From run-ins with the law to social media controversies to disputes with team officials, Brown’s behavior has often overshadowed his talent.
Bringing Brown into the Ravens’ locker room could potentially create some similar distractions, which could hurt the overall cohesiveness of the team. Given the Ravens’ recent success and their strong team culture, this is a concern that the team’s management will no doubt weigh carefully.
2. He Could Create Logistical Issues for the Team
Assuming Brown does sign with the Ravens, there could be logistical issues to work out as well. For one thing, the team will need to figure out how to fit Brown’s contract within their salary cap constraints. Additionally, there are concerns about how Brown’s sometimes volatile personality could mesh with the Ravens’ well-established team culture.
These are logistical issues that the Ravens’ management will need to carefully consider before committing to bringing Brown on board.
3. His On-Field Productivity is Uncertain
Finally, there’s the question of whether Brown can still perform at the level he did earlier in his career. It’s been a few years since he last appeared in a full NFL season, and he’s now 32 years old (not a particularly old age for a wide receiver, but still a concern).
There are also the lingering effects of his off-field issues to consider. Brown will need to work hard to prove that he’s still focused and committed to football if he hopes to have a successful 2021 season.
Conclusion
At this point, it remains to be seen whether the rumors surrounding Antonio Brown’s potential signing with the Baltimore Ravens will come to fruition. There are compelling arguments both in favor of and against such a move, and it will likely take some time before the team’s management makes a definitive decision.
Regardless of what happens, though, Brown’s workout video has already created plenty of buzz around the NFL, and his potential addition to the Ravens’ roster is sure to be a topic of conversation for weeks to come. Keep an eye on this story as more unfolds in the coming days and weeks.
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