In what would be a complete departure from the stance head coach Bruce Arians took back in March, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering signing veteran free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown, according to sources.
Per sources, Bucs’ quarterback Tom Brady has been lobbying for the team to sign Brown, whom he played with for a short time in New England during the 2020 season.
Earlier this year, Arians said that he did not view Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowler, as a good fit for the organization, during an appearance on CBS Sports Network (via ESPN’s Jenna Laine).
“Yeah, it’s not gonna happen,” Arians said. “There’s no room. And probably not enough money. But it’s not gonna happen—it’s not a fit here.”
“Yeah, I just know him, and it’s not a fit in our locker room.”
Brown has had a number of off-field issues over the past year alone, and his tumultuous departures from the Las Vegas Raiders and Patriots, coupled with continuous off-field issues, has kept teams away from signing Brown, despite his elite talent on the field.
Accusations against Brown included rape and sexual misconduct, as well as domestic violence, charity auction theft and unpaid debts, according to Sports Illustrated’s Robert Klemko.
JT The Brick of Mad Dog Sports Radio and Michael Lombardi of The Athletic both have reported hearing the Bucs were interested, but my sources tell me the Bucs are “further down the road” in their decision making process than just an interest.
Brown coming to New England could add even more firepower to an already stacked offense that included Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, and Brady.
