Antonio Brown was a problematic personality off the field way before he joined the Oakland Raiders. Everyone knows that. Brown’s egotistical persona has presented itself to the public since his public dispute with Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger that resulted in his tenure with Pittsburgh ending an extra game early. Despite the suspension in the season finale and the imminent departure of Pittsburgh’s star receiver, Brown continued to bring a platform to his side of the story. His side of the story included logically being angry at Big Ben for blaming Brown for a loss at Denver in 2018 and illogically getting jealous of Juju Smith-Schuster for winning team MVP as the statistical number two receiver and despite the fact he “fumbled the whole past season,” in a crucial game against the New Orleans Saints.
After a grueling pre-trade process, the Steelers ultimately traded their disgruntled receiver after no reconciliation was in sight. The Raiders acquired Brown at a discounted price of third and fifth-round picks in the 2018 draft. Initially, the move seemed like a steal. The Steelers gave up a top 5 receiver still within the window of his prime for what would end up being Diontae Johnson and Zach Gentry. Both prospects can potentially contribute to what the CMU product became unwilling to contribute to in the upcoming season but neither seems to possess the same ceiling as Brown.
However, the Raiders did not anticipate on this offseason being long enough for Brown to burn bridges with two teams (three if you include his protest of the initial Antonio Brown to Buffalo trade). After beginning offseason training in a proper fashion, attempting to build rapport with Derek Carr and adapting to the California life, Brown showed signs of his diva attitude poking through once again. After beginning training camp by traveling to the team facility by hot air balloon, the receiver quickly became a no show to team activities altogether due to a dispute with the NFL over new safety precautions being implemented. These precautions that were brought in over the past offseason has installed new helmet requirements that banned the model that Brown previously used in his career. Throughout the legal process that included two appeals by Brown and an absence that continued through the preseason, the Raiders began to lose patience with their newly acquired wideout.
General manager Mike Mayock went on the record to say that Brown’s absence that he needs Antonio Brown “to be all in or all out,” and the player made his decision to be all out. After losing his extended legal battle after missing the entire preseason, Brown took to Instagram to notify the world as to what he was just notified of. As a result of missing preseason and training camp activities, the receiver was fined $54,000 for his absence. This, to Brown, was not a legal protocol followed by the Raiders in response to the absence of a player throughout the entire preseason, and was instead an instance of “wanting to hate,” on the absentee.
This all leads up to today. Antonio Brown confronts his GM Mike Mayock at the team’s practice facility in an altercation that almost comes to blows, and is coincidentally broken up by a group of teammates that included notorious hot-head Vontaze Burfict. This near-fight ended with Brown punting a football and imploring the team to fine him for that. This development has led the Raiders to strongly consider suspending what is likely their best offensive player to begin the season. However, if this situation sours as quickly as it did in Pittsburgh, Brown could be traded or even released in no time. Due to this, it might be fun to take a look at where the troubled receiver could end up if his time in Oakland doesn’t amount to a minute of on-field play for the team.
Top Contenders
New England Patriots
This just feels too strange to not happen. If the Raiders are willing to trade Brown away for any sort of loss of value, then the Patriots are one of the first teams that would swoop in. Julian Edelman is alone in an unproven receiving unit and could help Tom Brady succeed down the field. If anyone is going to get Brown’s head on straight, it’s going to be Brady and coach/GM, Bill Belichick. Imagine Brown trying to get into it with Belichick and how poorly that would go.
Baltimore Ravens
This move would require a lot of patience that Brown may not possess, but if the receiver is willing to work with sophomore dual-threat Lamar Jackson, then this would be an ultimate middle-finger to the Steelers. The Ravens still need a pure number one receiver in case Antonio’s cousin, Marquise Brown, can’t matchup against top corners in his first year. Antonio Brown would be able to take the pressure off Jackson, Brown, and the rest of the Ravens’ young receiving unit.
Seattle Seahawks
Pete Carroll would tolerate Brown’s eccentricity as long as he gives Russell Wilson a proper replacement number one receiver. Doug Baldwin is out of the league due to injuries, but Seattle fields a relatively complete team outside of the receiving group. Brown being added to this Seattle team would satisfy the receiver with a little extra freedom and the best quarterback he has ever worked with. If the former sixth-rounder can keep quiet enough during the season and provide a similar product that we’re used to seeing on the field, this might be the best potential working relationship for Brown outside of New England.
Could Happen
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers has been able to get away with a somewhat-eccentric personality in the small market that is Green Bay. Fans that show up to those cold Lambeau Field games don’t care as much about the off-field shenanigans if Brown can contribute to what would instantly become the best receiving duo in the league. Davante Adams and Brown can pair to make Rodgers’ life much easier as a passer
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San Fransisco 49ers
The 49ers have drafted heavily at the receiver position in recent years, resulting in the acquisitions of Austin Pettis, Jalen Hurd, and Deebo Samuel. However, even with the young talent needing time to develop, it would still be smart for general manager John Lynch to acquire a weapon that could take more pressure off of Jimmy Garoppolo and emerging tight end George Kittle. Brown would get all the targets he wants from a quarterback that while unproven, comes with more potential with Derek Carr.
Denver Broncos
In a similar style to the potential move to the Ravens that I listed above, the Broncos adding Brown would be an amazing jumping-of-ship. Joe Flacco would be able to produce close to peak form with a receiving unit of Noah Fant, Emmanuel Sanders, and Courtland Sutton. The catch? The Raiders wouldn’t trade Brown to Denver. This move would have to be made by Oakland releasing their new weapon shortly after giving up two picks for him.
Philadelphia Eagles
Doug McDermott likely wouldn’t want to tolerate Brown in a receiving corp that already includes a plethora of names, such as Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, Zach Ertz, Nelson Algholor, and Dallas Goedert. Though, the team could look to add a clear-cut number one for Carson Wentz to throw to outside. The Raiders would probably gladly accept a trade of Agholor (and minimal draft capital) for Brown if they decide to make this move.
New York Jets
This one is a stretch, as I don’t see Adam Gase dealing with Brown’s antics. In the New York spotlight, the wideout’s problems will be given an enormous platform to cause the team issues. That being said, Sam Darnold is level headed enough to make this marriage work, and Brown is accustomed to playing with Le’Veon Bell in the backfield and the running back can help keep his former teammate in check.
Carolina Panthers
This one isn’t likely to happen, but Cam Newton needs more receivers. A unit of D.J. Moore, Antonio Brown, and Curtis Samuel would instill fear in the NFC South in the same way that the Saints, Bucs, and Falcons receivers do.
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