All the talk about the Baltimore Ravens potentially signing free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown might have finally been put to rest.
The NFL announced an eight-game suspension for Brown for “multiple violations of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.” He won’t appeal the decision, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, meaning Brown won’t be eligible to play until Week 9 at the earliest. While the heavy suspension isn’t terribly shocking considering the extent of trouble Brown found himself in over the last year, it might be enough to eliminate him from Baltimore’s mind entirely.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has proverbially banged the table for Baltimore to sign Brown this offseason. After video of Jackson and Brown working out together hit Instagram this offseason, Jackson said he’d be happy if the Ravens were to sign Brown before reiterating the notion again earlier this week, saying he’s “still hoping” a deal can get done. Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta and coach John Harbaugh have been far quieter on the matter, either declining to discuss free agents at all or referring to Brown’s status with the league prior to his suspension.
In a season that has legitimate potential to either be outright canceled or at least shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic, an eight-game suspension could easily mean Brown doesn’t play football at all in 2020. Considering Brown is 32 years old right now and played in just one game last season — a Week 2 contest for the New England Patriots — nearly two full seasons out of the sport should cause any front office to pause. That’s before considering Brown’s extensive history of being a distraction and public relations nightmare.
For the Ravens, they’re well situated at wide receiver right now. Baltimore has taken two wide receivers in each of the last three drafts, including Brown’s cousin, Marquise Brown, in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While there’s no denying Antonio Brown was arguably the best wide receiver in the league during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a deal wouldn’t just get Brown’s ability on the field without any of the potential for off-field antics. And with a very extensive history of legal woes as well as public outbursts, Brown just doesn’t fit the mold of someone the Ravens typically sign.
With Brown scheduled to miss at least half of the 2020 season, Baltimore has the perfect excuse to avoid him entirely.
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