As the offseason approaches, NFL teams are already making moves to improve their rosters for next year. One team that has been generating a lot of buzz lately is the Baltimore Ravens. And much of that buzz has been centered around one particular player: Antonio Brown.
Brown, a talented wide receiver with a long history of off-the-field issues, could be a game-changer for the Ravens. But he also brings some serious baggage with him. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Brown is such a controversial figure, what he could bring to the Ravens if they decide to sign him, and whether the risks are worth it.
Who is Antonio Brown?
Antonio Brown was born in Miami, Florida, in 1988. He played college football at Central Michigan, where he was a standout wide receiver. In 2010, he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round and quickly became one of the team’s most valuable players.
Over the next several years, Brown established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl seven times, was named to the All-Pro team four times, and led the league in receiving yards twice. He also set numerous team and league records, including the most receptions in a single season in 2015.
However, Brown’s success on the field has often been overshadowed by his behavior off the field. He has been involved in a number of off-field incidents that have raised questions about his character and ability to be a team player.
Off-field incidents
Here are just a few of the incidents that have contributed to Brown’s notoriety over the years:
– In 2016, Brown was cited for driving his luxury car over 100 mph in a residential area.
– In 2017, he was accused of throwing furniture off the balcony of his 14th-floor apartment, nearly hitting 2-year-old boy and his grandfather.
– Prior to the 2018 season, Brown received scrutiny both on and off the field. He got into an argument with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during a practice, and refused to play in the team’s final game of the season after allegedly getting into an altercation with Roethlisberger.
– In August 2019, Brown was fined over $50,000 for missing practices, meetings, and other team activities during training camp with the Oakland Raiders. He then posted a video of a phone conversation with his head coach, Jon Gruden, on social media without the coach’s consent. Shortly thereafter, he was released by the Raiders and signed with the New England Patriots. However, Brown was released from the Patriots after just one game after his former trainer accused him of sexual assault and rape.
It’s important to note that Brown has denied many of the allegations against him, and in some cases, criminal charges were never filed.
What Could Brown Bring to the Ravens?
Despite his off-field issues, there’s no denying that Antonio Brown is an extremely talented player. He’s one of the best wide receivers in NFL history, and his ability to make big plays and rack up yards after the catch is undeniable. Here are just a few of the things Brown could bring to the Ravens if they decide to sign him:
– Experience and veteran leadership: Brown is a veteran player with plenty of experience playing in big games. He can provide valuable leadership to a young and talented Ravens team.
– Explosive playmaking ability: Brown is a dynamic player who can make big plays happen from anywhere on the field. He could be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ receiving corps, which was a weakness for the team in 2020.
– Improved production from Lamar Jackson: Brown has a history of making his quarterbacks better. During his time in Pittsburgh, Brown helped turn Ben Roethlisberger into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. If he can have a similar effect on Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense could be even more dangerous in 2021.
Why the Ravens Should Avoid Antonio Brown
While Brown certainly has a lot of talent, there are plenty of reasons the Ravens should be hesitant to sign him. Here are just a few of the potential downsides of bringing Brown to Baltimore:
– Off-field issues and distractions: Brown’s history of off-field issues could be a major distraction for the Ravens. His volatile behavior could prove disruptive to the team’s chemistry and morale.
– Risk of suspension or legal troubles: Brown is currently facing a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and rape, and the NFL is still investigating the matter. If he’s found to have violated the league’s personal conduct policy, he could face a suspension or other discipline.
– Cap space: Brown is likely to command a significant contract, and the Ravens are already limited in terms of cap space. Signing Brown could prevent the team from making other important moves in free agency.
Alternatives for the Ravens
If the Ravens decide that the risks of signing Antonio Brown are too great, there are plenty of other options for the team to improve their receiving corps. Here are a few of the players the Ravens could target in free agency:
– Will Fuller: Fuller is a young and talented wide receiver who has shown flashes of brilliance in his career with the Houston Texans. He’s a deep threat who could provide a boost to the Ravens’ passing game.
– JuJu Smith-Schuster: Smith-Schuster is a former teammate of Brown’s in Pittsburgh, and while he’s had a bit of a down year in 2020, he’s still an excellent player who could thrive in the Ravens’ system.
– Marvin Jones: Jones is a veteran receiver who has been consistent throughout his career. He’s a reliable target who could provide some stability to the Ravens’ receiving corps.
– Corey Davis: Davis is a former first-round pick who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in his career with the Tennessee Titans. However, when he’s healthy and on his game, he’s a talented receiver who could make a difference for the Ravens.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Antonio Brown is one of the most talented wide receivers in NFL history. However, his off-field issues and behavior make him a risky proposition for any team. The Ravens will have to weigh the potential upsides against the potential downsides and decide whether signing Brown is worth the risk.
Ultimately, the Ravens will need to be strategic about building their receiving corps for next season. Whether they sign Brown or go a different direction in free agency, the team will need to find ways to improve their passing game if they want to be true Super Bowl contenders in 2021.
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