More On: antonio brown
Watch: Antonio Brown strips off in front of shocked hotel guests at the pool
Antonio Brown could be suspended again after latest troubling episode
Antonio Brown allegedly destroyed security camera in wild temper tantrum
Antonio Brown was a ‘no risk’ signing: Buccaneers GM
I’m skeptical of Antonio Brown’s bizarre return
The Buccaneers think it’s all upside with Antonio Brown. General manager Jason Licht told Ian Rapoport of NFL Media that signing the troubled star to a short-term deal is “no risk”
The Buccaneers think it’s all upside with Antonio Brown.
General manager Jason Licht told Ian Rapoport of NFL Media that signing the troubled star to a short-term deal is “no risk” for the organization.
“It’s an opportunity that we’re giving him, another opportunity, but it’s a one-year deal and if it doesn’t work, there’s no risk,” Licht said.
Brown, 32, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and has four first-team All-Pro nominations since entering the league as a Steelers sixth-round pick in 2010. The Central Michigan product has 841 catches, 11,263 receiving yards and 75 touchdowns in 131 career regular-season appearances.
“He’s just so explosive and sudden and so much stronger than he looks,” Licht said. “If you saw him in a grocery store, you wouldn’t think he’s a seven-time Pro Bowler. But man, he’s very strong, great hands, super explosive.”
Tampa is Brown’s fourth stop in under two years following a tumultuous, drama-laden stretch that included multiple brushes with the law and accusations of sexual assault and rape. He recently signed a contract for the remainder of the 2020 season at a prorated rate of $750,000 with up to $1.75 million in incentives, but has been warned that the team will have zero tolerance for any slip-ups.
“[Brown and coach Bruce Arians] had a very candid conversation and I don’t want to paraphrase,” Licht said. “But Bruce said to me, ‘He’ll be good.'”
Brown and Arians — who served as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2011 — overlapped in Pittsburgh briefly. The wideout also has been living with friend and quarterback Tom Brady, who was a proponent of the signing and has vouched for Brown’s behavior.
The receiver served an eight-game suspension to start the year and is set to make his debut for the Buccaneers (6-2) on Sunday night against the Saints (5-2) in a battle for first place in the NFC South. It will be Brown’s first game since Sep. 15, 2019, when he caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown from Brady as as member of the Patriots.
“I expect him to be out there and he’s picked things up very quickly,” Licht added.
