Antonio Brown had a disastrous 2019 in which he was traded by the Steelers, cut by the Raiders and released by the Patriots – all due to factors that had nothing to do with his actual performance on the field. Brown essentially forced his way out of Pittsburgh, which led to the Steelers trading him to Oakland.
The Raiders grew tired of his antics during training camp, which included burning his feet in a cryotherapy machine and waging war with the NFL over which helmet he was allowed to wear.
Brown played just one game last season, which came with the Patriots in Week 2 against the Dolphins; he had four catches for 56 yards and one touchdown. New England cut Brown amid sexual assault allegations, and he’s remained a free agent ever since.
With his legal issues unresolved, no team has taken a chance on the seven-time Pro Bowler. That could change if Brown is exonerated, but as of now, his off-field issues have essentially made him untouchable.
Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks hopes that changes in 2020. Speaking to Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire, Cooks wouldn’t discuss Brown’s personal troubles, but did say he should get another chance with a team.
“I’m going to stay out of that,” Cooks said of Brown’s off-field transgressions. “But the one thing I will say is that he’s an unbelievable athlete and a special talent. I spent a week with him a couple years ago, and his work ethic is second to none. I truly pray that he gets another shot in the NFL, because he’s too talented not to be on a team. I love everything about that guy from the time I spent with him, and I continue to pray for him, because he means a lot to me.”
Farrar asked Cooks if Brown is the best route runner of his era, and the Rams receiver didn’t hesitate to agree with that statement.
“No question,” Cooks said. “You ain’t even got to say that twice.”
There’s no doubt Brown has the talent and skill set to really help a team and continue to be a Pro Bowl receiver, but he’s burned a lot of bridges lately, going as far as calling out the NFL for blackballing him with its ongoing and lengthy investigation.
The Saints brought him in for a workout last season before the playoffs, but they decided not to sign him. If he’s cleared of the charges against him, perhaps a team will give him another chance, but the future doesn’t look bright for Brown at the moment.