Teams across the NFL finally have their answer to what the punishment for Antonio Brown is.
Here’s the full release pic.twitter.com/szaJJF7s5P
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) July 31, 2020
The former All-Pro receiver will be suspended for eight games, giving some teams across the league the clarity they were looking for. Now, the discussion turns to what team, if any, will sign the wide receiver.
The Ravens have been linked to Brown for months, notably due to Brown’s relation to second-year wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and the Ravens’ need for a playmaker at the position.
Ravens and Seahawks remain the teams to watch. https://t.co/hGDJXQnlD8
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) July 31, 2020
"It was nice throwing to Antonio Brown, I was hoping we would get him," Jackson said Wednesday when speaking about his offseason. "I'm still hoping — a little bit."
Jackson hasn’t exactly lobbied for the Ravens to sign Antonio Brown, but he’s made it known he’d certainly be OK if it happens. He said he’d be “happy” if the team signed him during an interview in April. The two worked out together in Florida during quarantine, bringing the buzz to a natural level of anticipation.
RELATED: LAMAR JACKSON STILL HOPES RAVENS WILL SIGN ANTONIO BROWN
Antonio Brown is a free agent after having played on three teams since the conclusion of the 2018 season.
He played one game for the Patriots last year, before being released after he sent threatening text messages to a former trainer, Britney Taylor, who previously accused him of rape and sexual assault. Additionally, on June 12 of this year, Brown pleaded no contest to felony burglary of a vehicle, misdemeanor battery, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
On the field, Antonio Brown is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time First-Team All-Pro. From 2013-2018, he posted six straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards receiving, and would instantly become the Ravens’ best wide receiver — and perhaps the best receiver in the division.
While it’s unclear if the Ravens are even interested, they haven’t confirmed or denied interest — not unexpected. General manager Eric DeCosta said earlier this offseason he would keep all thoughts about Antonio Brown “in-house.”
Whether or not he’s on a roster or not to start the season, after week eight or the team’s eighth game, he’ll be eligible to play football again.
“We’ll look at any and every player at all times. Antonio Brown is no exception,” coach John Harbaugh said Thursday. “Decisions will be made based on whatever they’re made. I don’t even think he’s available to sign right now, so it’s not really a conversation you have until he’s available to sign. Maybe, I’m wrong about that. That’s something I’ll have to ask (general manager) Eric (DeCosta) about, where that stands with the league and the player. But that’s where we stand on it, at least from my perspective.”
MORE RAVENS NEWS:
- Harbaugh on AB: "We'll look at any and every player at all times"
- Lamar Jackson: No tick in passing coronavirus tests
- Looking up: Rookies blessed to play with Jackson