The entire NFL and sports fans across the globe watched Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown undress himself and flaunt out of Metlife Stadium in what will be known as one of the wildest mid-game stunts in league history.
On Jan. 6, the team officially waived the star receiver, which was no surprise after Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians said “[Brown] is no longer a Buc,” right after the game. The question now lies: what does Brown’s future look like, and what may be his next team?
The first piece of information that is critical to AB’s future is that he is currently injured. Brown said that his ankle injury he had been dealing with during the season was reaggravated, and that was the reason he could not return in the Jets game. The receiver plans on getting surgery and preparing for football next fall, meaning any teams trying to get him for the playoffs will most likely not be able to. Without some luck with future MRIs and a quick recovery, AB’s season is over.
With next season the earliest return for Brown, this opens up a plethora of options for the receiver. The real question is: what teams would be interested given his bad behavioral track record? The first prediction is the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have had a gap at receiver the past few years, and there are familial ties. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is the younger cousin of Antonio and is someone Brown has worked out with in the past. The Ravens have been plagued with injuries this season, and because of this, they have given many veterans chances to come back. Harbaugh is a tough coach that could put up with a lot of Brown’s ego and would welcome in the talent.
The next team that could desperately use a player like Brown is the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have been missing Michael Thomas the entire season and it has shown. The lackluster group of receivers appear promising on paper, but Sean Payton has yet to have someone really breakout. Now, they could resolve this gap in the NFL draft with plenty of talented pass catchers in the draft pool but Brown would be an instant fix. The addition of Brown could also motivate players like Michael Thomas. Sean Payton has dealt with a lot of different players in his tenure with the Saints that he and Brown would probably get along.
The final prediction is for this season, and that is the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have clinched a playoff berth but could be without Deandre Hopkins and Rondale Moore. Kyler has found his new favorite target in Zach Ertz and still has weapons like Christian Kirk. But, an All-Pro receiver like Brown could be huge come playoff time. Is it very likely that he is able to play and they are interested? No, but it is just a prediction if he were to put a set of pads on again this season.
Brown may be done playing for the 2021 season, but fans can expect the receiver to make a return next fall and business will be “boomin’” again. NFL teams will accept his antics for sheer talent and make exceptions for receptions.