Free agent WR Antonio Brown.
It’s been over a 12 months because the Raiders made a blockbuster commerce for Antonio Brown. Whereas he by no means truly performed a recreation for the group, it’s laborious to not think about what might’ve been. He was alleged to be the centerpiece of the offense, however he let drama get in the best way of that and he solely ended up enjoying one recreation all season.
The incident that sealed his destiny with the group was when he bought in a heated altercation with common supervisor Mike Mayock in entrance of the group. Gamers for the Raiders have stayed fairly quiet concerning the incident, however defensive finish Clelin Ferrell determined to offer some perception concerning the combat.
“I used to be simply form of thrown off by it,” Ferrell stated on ESPN’s First Take. “Clearly, you see the stuff within the media however when Antonio was within the locker room, he was the chillest dude. I had by no means actually seen that aspect of both of them, so I used to be simply form of caught off guard, and was like, ‘Woah! What’s happening right here?’ They’d a very good relationship. Clearly, the three of them — Antonio, Mike and coach Gruden — they all the time had a great relationship. I used to be simply form of caught off guard, however grown males gonna be grown males and have disputes typically.”
By many accounts, Brown was a tremendous teammate more often than not, however he wasn’t shy about getting upset. When he didn’t get his approach, he was a one-man wrecking crew and Mayock discovered that basically quick.
Ferrell Laments Shedding AB Earlier than the Season
When the Raiders launched Brown shortly earlier than the season began, they misplaced their finest playmaker. It turned abundantly clear midway by way of the season that the group lacked hearth energy. If Brown hadn’t pressured his approach out, the group might have been within the playoffs. Ferrell lamented the truth that they misplaced the star broad receiver.
“While you really feel such as you bought Antonio Brown at his finest, the sky would have been the restrict for us offensively,” Ferrell stated. “Simply been a man who’s prime 5 in receiving yards and touchdowns each single 12 months. Would have did his factor. When all of the completely different stuff occurred with all the pieces happening, that was robust on us. As a group, we simply wish to be quiet.
“Particularly with ‘Arduous Knocks,’ there was already a lot consideration and to have all this different stuff added in, it was form of robust on us. However I really feel like, on the finish of the day, we simply need the perfect for him as a result of he did undergo loads, so regardless of the disarray or dysfunction he has induced, you simply wish to see him get again to who he was.”
Ferrell took the excessive street and didn’t attempt to kick Brown whereas he’s down. Contemplating how a lot drama he introduced the group, it’s a shock the Raiders didn’t begin off final season worse. Now that they gained’t have his distraction, they might get off to a warmer begin in 2020.
Comply with the Heavy Las Vegas Raiders web page for the most recent breaking information, rumors and content material!
Will Brown Play in 2020?
If Brown by no means performs one other NFL recreation, will probably be one of many largest self-destructions within the historical past of the league. He was on tempo to get into the top-five of quite a few all-time receiving stats and would’ve been a lock for the Corridor of Fame. He’ll be 32 when the season begins and it stays to be seen if any group will wish to take an opportunity on him.
The New Orleans Saints gave the broad receiver a shot throughout final season, however he as soon as once more sabotaged himself by bringing a digicam crew to the exercise once they requested him to not. Whereas he’s taken loads of steps to carry himself accountable for his errors, it’s uncertain a group takes an opportunity on him except they’re determined. If he’s going to land on a roster, will probably be throughout the season.
READ NEXT: Raiders’ Mike Mayock Has Eye-Opening Admission About WR Want