Free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown has basically played his way off many NFL teams’ radar. Many see him as too much of a risk, while others see the 31-year-old former six-time All-Pro as simply too expensive and not worth pursuing.
Tampa Bay is the latest team to drop out of contention for Brown’s services, effectively ending any chatter of a reunion with Tom Brady. Veteran NFL columnist Mike Silver recently reported that the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens have had “internal discussions” about signing Brown, but nothing has yet to materialize.
There are several teams in the NFL still seeking a No. 1 target for their passing game. The New York Giants did not augment their receiving corps. this offseason and would be a potential landing spot for Brown due his familiarity with Joe Judge, who coached Brown for a short stint last season in New England as the Patriots’ wide receivers coach.
The reunion is an unlikely one, however, although Brown would add some explosiveness to an offense that sorely needs a home-run hitter at wideout. Brown, unfortunately, is not a fit here in New York where the Giants are trying to change their culture.
First off, the Giants do not have the salary cap room to accommodate Brown price-wise. They are approximately $16.3 million over the cap but have yet to sign any of their top nine draft choices. Brown would likely be seeking a deal worth at least $5 million (his deal with New England last year was worth $5.7 million). The Giants would have to make some cuts to make room for Brown and even then, would be pushing the cap envelope.
But I say forget all of that as things won’t get that far. Brown is not Giant material, especially in the Dave Gettleman era. If the Giants didn’t want to deal with Odell Beckham, Jr., why would they want Antonio Brown?
With the culture change in full tow, and the locker room seeking leaders, the Giants are better off with what they have. Play defense, run balanced offense and dominate on special teams. They’re done going the star route.
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