Antonio Brown living with Tom Brady to gain Buccaneers’ trust

Tom Brady is vouching for his new houseguest. Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said last week that the quarterback had “nothing to do with” the team’s signing of Antonio Brown, but the

Tom Brady is vouching for his new houseguest.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said last week that the quarterback had “nothing to do with” the team’s signing of Antonio Brown, but the suspended receiver already has been living with Brady, who was renting a mansion from Yankees legend Derek’s Jeter when he first moved down to Florida.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports first reported the unique living arrangement on the network’s pregame show Sunday, and CBS Sports later cited a source saying that Brady vowed to the Bucs organization “he is going to make sure this is not a problem.”

“He guaranteed BA (coach Bruce Arians) that he would make sure this guy did everything he has to do, even if Brady has to drive him there himself,” the CBS source added. “These two are going to be joined at the hip. And they made it clear to Brady that Brown is on a very short leash. If he (slips up), he’s gone.”

The 32-year-old Brown, who owns a mansion in Miami and signed a one-year deal with the Bucs earlier this month, will not be in uniform Monday night against the Giants because he has one more game remaining on the eight-game suspension he received from the NFL for multiple violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy. He is eligible to play Sunday night against New Orleans.

Brady had made a similar offer for Brown to live with him when he joined the Patriots last season, but the seven-time Pro Bowl receiver was released after appearing in one game for New England.

Arians had been Brown’s offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010-11. He said last week that Brown has “matured” and he believes “in second chances,” but Arians stressed the organization will closely monitor the sexual assault civil lawsuit filed against Brown by former trainer Britney Taylor, which is scheduled to go to trial in December.

“Let the court system do its job,” Arians said. “If it’s found out to be true, he won’t be with us.”

In the meantime, Brady reportedly told the coaching staff that he intends to work regularly with Brown at and away from the team’s facilities to make sure he complies with all team rules and COVID-19 protocols. According to Glazer, Brady also has connected Brown with a self-help life coach and other mental health resources.

Jeter put his waterside mansion in Davis Islands up for sale in September for a reported $29 million asking price.