5 Teams That Should Sign Antonio Brown Following Release From Raiders

Antonio Brown has been released by the Raiders, making it perfectly reasonable for a new team to swoop in and buy low on the controversial wideout. Brown made his name for himself as a top NFL receiver, but his off-the-field presence has been atrocious -- and that’s putting it lightly. 

So, who is desperate enough to take a chance on the incredibly talented media headache? Here are five teams who should consider it:

1. Baltimore Ravens

Losing Terrell Suggs, CJ Mosley and Eric Weddle in free agency leaves a void in leadership, and while Antonio Brown is literally the worst person to consider to fill the position, he’ll immediately become the team’s top receiver if slotted in. The Ravens have had just two losing years in the past 12 seasons, and though they’re competitive, the team needs someone to take them over the top in order to contend again.

2. New York Giants

Imagine the Giants bouncing back from trading Odell Beckham Jr. by bringing in Antonio Brown and pairing him with Saquon Barkley. With Golden Tate suspended four games, Sterling Shepard is now Big Blue’s top receiver. If signing Brown means taking the spotlight away from Eli Manning’s descent, by all means, go for it. The Giants were dead last in the NFC East last year and should consider the high-risk, high-reward dilemma.

3. San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers have sophomore Dante Pettis and six-year veteran Marquise Goodwin at the top of their depth chart at WR, though Goodwin had a dud of a season last year. Antonio Brown is a huge "what-if" in terms of behavior, which would be perfect alongside Mr. What If He Stays Healthy, Jimmy Garoppolo. The pairing could be amazing or dreadful, and without a winning season since 2013, the Niners could use a big move. 

4. Buffalo Bills

The Bills got a taste of the postseason two seasons ago, coming up short to the Jaguars in the Wild Card. The January 2018 game marked Buffalo’s first playoff appearance since 1999, and if the Bills want someone to build around, it could be Antonio Brown. Acquiring Brown could do wonders for a second-year player Josh Allen, who was second-to-last in quarterback rating last year. 

5. Miami Dolphins

Miami’s top receiver after the Jarvis Landry move was Danny Amendola, who only had one touchdown in the entire season last year. The Dolphins offensive rating ranks don’t exactly pop off the page, in fact they’re very much stuck on it: 26th in points and 31st in yards. Antonio Brown can put his stamp on the Dolphins, who have had just one playoff appearance in the last 10 years (2016).