Antonio Brown hasn't played in the NFL since he was cut by the New England Patriots prior to Week 3 of the 2019 NFL season.
Before that, he had a short, drama-filled tenure with the Raiders that included frost-bitten feet, multiple helmet grievances, a guerilla YouTube video and an altercation with general manager Mike Mayock.
Brown continues to be unemployed as the NFL works through its investigation of the sexual assault complaints levied against Brown by his former trainer, Britney Taylor. But could he return to the Raiders after the destruction he left in his wake last summer? The Pro Bowl receiver didn't rule it out.
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"I just talked to Jon Gruden today, might I say," Brown told Complex's Load Management podcast. "I don't know how it's going to go, but who knows?"
Brown not ruling out a Raiders return comes in stark contrast to everything else he has said since being jettisoned from Oakland. He claimed he never would play for the Silver and Black again and even asked Derek Carr to send a Rolex Brown bought the quarterback to Tom Brady.
While a reunion with Brown is highly unlikely (it's not happening), the receiver told Complex he wants to link up with Brady next season. The Raiders reportedly will pursue the six-time Super Bowl champion should he reach free agency.
"I couldn't tell him, just call coach Gruden," Brown said when asked what he would tell Brady about the Raiders. "Brady's OG, man. He don't need it. I know he's going to do what's right for him and his family. Wherever Tom go, I think I want to go -- 2020 Tom/AB. Twenty touchdowns, maybe 25."
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If the Raiders are serious about chasing Brady, they will have to provide him with the necessary weapons to compete against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Brady reportedly was unhappy the Patriots cut Brown, so perhaps the desired reunion with AB is mutual.
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Would Gruden and Mayock be willing to welcome back Brown if it meant landing the NFL's top star? That's a string that isn't attached when they make a run at Brady come March.