When it comes to the most controversial players in recent NFL history, there’s one name in particular that almost always surfaces near the top of the list. No, not Deshaun Watson or Tyreek Hill, but rather Antonio Brown. At the age of 32, Brown has earned himself the dubious honor of being one of the most universally hated players among both coaches and players alike. The veteran wide receiver’s knowledge of the game qualifies as second to none, but his past actions both on and off the field have landed him in deep water over the past few years.
Luckily for Brown, everybody deserves a second chance, and that’s exactly what he received during the middle of the 2020 season. After signing with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brown went from the bottom of the barrel to a Super Bowl champion in a span of only a few months. Now, he’s achieved the ultimate goal that every NFL player dreams of.
However, all good things must come to an end, and that might qualify as the case for Brown’s tenure in Tampa Bay. Even after a wonderful comeback season, Brown has still yet to find a home for the 2021 season. People say returning to Tampa is the most likely option, but should that really be the case when the Buccaneers have signed all of their free agents BUT Brown?
It’s hard to say, but there is at least one thing for certain. Tampa or not, Brown’s time is running out. As the weeks progress, Brown’s level of interest and stock will diminish, meaning he’ll once again be thrown into an unfavorable situation in the near future.
With all these questions, there’s only one thing to ask. Should Brown stay or should he go?
Brown’s 2020 Contributions to Tampa Bay
Before we make that decision, let’s break down how much Brown contributed to the 2020 Buccaneers. He may have played only half a season as Brady’s No. 3 WR, but his efforts still qualified as notable. In 2020, the veteran wide receiver tallied 45 receptions for 483 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging 10.7 yards per play. Although those stats do not hold a candle to his earlier stats with the Steelers, they still show that he can play at a competitive level on a top tier team. Sure, he’s not perfect, but Tom Brady will work with anyone.
How Are Current Relations Between Antonio Brown and the Buccaneers?
If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that Antonio Brown wants to return to the Sunshine State. The veteran has pleaded on multiple occasions for the Buccaneers front office to give him an offer. We can’t blame him, especially considering how talented the Buccaneers should be in the near future.
He’s not the only one who wants himself to stay in Tampa Bay either though. Did we forget to mention just how much admiration Tom Brady has shown for Brown as well? If so, we can assure you right here and now that it’s a lot.
So, with Tom Brady’s constant praise of Brown, why have the two sides not reached an agreement yet? That’s a question we can not seem to find the answer to. No matter how hard Brown has tried, he can’t manage to break through to the Buccaneers front office.
For this reason, there’s no guarantee that this situation is heading towards a close anytime soon.