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September 07, 2019

Raiders release Brown

Tyrell Williams, Darren Waller should be looking at more targets

I think we’ve seen the last of Antonio Brown. The Raiders released him today, and I don’t know that there’s another team that would be willing to roll the dice on him.

For Brown, he lost interest in Oakland when they fine him. That move gave them the ability to go after the guaranteed money in his contract if there were any further incidents. He asked for his release, and the team granted it. They’ll no doubt battle over how much money the team owes him, but he’s not playing there.

I have skimmed over the other 31 teams. I don’t see one that would be particularly likely to take a chance on him. Too toxic, and too volatile. Maybe there’s an injury with some team like Kansas City or New Orleans, changing their thinking, but right now, I am in the camp that wouldn’t even carry Brown on a fantasy roster. I would rather give my last roster spot to a long-shot receiver like Trey Quinn, John Ross or Rashard Higgins – that’s how confident I am that Brown isn’t playing in the NFL.

Brown still has ability. I watched him on Hard Knocks, running routes and catching balls off the jugs machine. He’s 31, but I think he’s still one of the five best receivers on the planet. But I suppose his next team now is probably of the XFL variety.

As for the Raiders, the depth chart at their team website indicates J.J. Nelson (formerly of Arizona) will move into the starting lineup, joining Tyrell Williams. Neither is suited to be a heavily featured receiver. Their both best used as deep threats. Nelson is tiny (5-10, 160). Williams is tall and lanky (6-4, 205). Williams at least has shown some ability to be productive; when Keenan Allen missed 15 games in 2016, Williams led the Chargers with 69 catches for 1,059 yards and 7 TDs – good chance at top-40 receiving numbers now.

The Raiders plan to use rookie Hunter Renfrow in the slot, but I haven’t seen any evidence that they’re sitting on another Wes Welker or Danny Amendola. They kept veteran Ryan Grant, but he wasn’t able to get enough separation last year in Oakland. The Raiders released rookie Keelan Doss, and I would expect they’ll look into trying to sign him off Jacksonville’s practice squad. To me, Doss looks better than Grant.

The winner in this whole deal could be tight end Darren Waller. When the Raiders had receiver problems last year, Jared Cook became a heavily featured part of the offense. Waller looks like he might be able to do a lot of those same things.

Derek Carr is now definitely not one of the top-25 quarterbacks on my board.

—Ian Allan

Antonio Brown Darren Waller Tyrell Williams J.J. Nelson Derek Carr Hunter Renfrow

77 Reader Comments:

Jonathan Gertner

Saint Joseph, MO
2019-09-07T16:54:14Z
No one doubts his talent. Bill Belicheck will sign him to a contract very friendly to New England and heavily incentivized so Antonio Brown has the chance to prove the detractors in his mind wrong. This just makes a lot of sense. Bill can handle him, and would like his talent to go along with his power running game.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-07T17:24:24Z
Not quite sure Billy Billy wants a piece of Brown right now...considering his mental state? Brown just lost so much $$$...but he did it to himself...@ least we have some definite clarity now. Next phase, the Antonio Brown law suit against the Raiders/NFL?

Yaesha Newman

2019-09-07T17:35:40Z
I can think of 25 teams who would be interested. Especially teams where they feel they are a receiver away. Green Bay? The Jets? Jacksonville? Seattle? Arizona?

Put the guy on double secret probation and risk little. At 31 he needs to play this year or he will be a FA at 32. His agent knows this.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T17:37:39Z
I won’t say that no team will take a chance on Brown. I’ll say that no smart team will, which removes New England. Washington or Cincinnati, though...

PETE DEBIASE

Havertown, PA
2019-09-07T17:38:33Z
Speaking of his agent, since he’s a Rosenhaus client we’ll probably see him doing push-ups in his driveway sometime over the weekend. Getcha popcorn ready.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T17:42:32Z
Green Bay and Arizona have plenty of viable WRs. Tom Coughlin and I expect Adam Gase wouldn’t touch him. I agree someone will take a shot but the number is closer to 2.5 than 25.

Christopher Moldas

Mogadore, OH
2019-09-07T18:02:33Z
Too much talent for the entire league to ignore, but we he lower his ego to take a no risk deal?

David DiGregorio

Norristown, PA
2019-09-07T18:10:07Z
B R O W N. That's how Brown spells team. Pathological narcissist. Gonna hurt me in 2 leagues.

Robert Buckmann

Mount Dora, FL
2019-09-07T18:21:18Z
I think he will absolutely sign somewhere this year. Teams will always take a chance with talent. It's when these guys get older and become just above average that teams don't want to deal with the drama(Owens,Ray Rice). How many chances has J Gordon had? He can still play as can Antonio Brown.

Joseph Varnon

Houston, TX
2019-09-07T18:28:44Z
Buffalo

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T18:35:19Z
The guy has all but thrown an actual bomb into two locker rooms. Josh Gordon never did that, nor did any of the other veterans New England took on. I’m glad to say I’m wrong if it happens, but I just don’t see it. He doesn’t even move the needle on NE’s Super Bowl chances that much.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T18:59:06Z
A large part of this whole equation is the fact that brown DOESN'T need the money. He's loaded. He was well-paid before the Steelers unloaded him to Oakland. He blew off Gruden the moment the offseason fun-time stopped and the real work began.
I don't think any owner in the NFL who can define the word "trust" will sign him.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T19:04:08Z
Oh, one other question, Ian/Andy. With Brown gone, would you agree this means loaded boxes for Josh Jacobs for the foreseeable?

Joshua Epling

Oakwood, OH
2019-09-07T19:05:01Z
I have an offer to trade Chris Carson for AB. It’s a ppr league. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

jim toon

2019-09-07T19:06:48Z
Why do you consider New England. Washington or Cincinnati the smart teams?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T19:08:23Z
It isn’t good for Jacobs. But I could see him catching 3-5 extra short passes per game with Brown gone. Joshua, my thought is I’d have drafted Carson ahead of AB before he got himself kicked off the team.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-07T19:10:08Z
New England is in a pretty good spot with WR's anyway @ the moment...Edelman, Gordon, Dorsett, D Thomas (if healthy), Meyers, and Harry when he comes back from IR. From a fantasy perspective, Brown would not command the targets with NE like he would with another team...give it a couple of weeks when injuries strike other NFL teams...like the saying goes...there is a seat for every ass...some team will do it. Also, I question whether Brown is serious about playing this year considering his actions for the last 72 hours or last 3-4 weeks. I have been watching football/team sports for almost 45+ years and I have never seen a selfish circus act like this. The man really needs some time away from the game.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T19:10:17Z
Hey Joshua, look at all the scorched earth surrounding Brown. Stick with Carson.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T19:14:47Z
Jim, NE is the smart team. Wash and Cin are the type I could see signing him.

Scott Kopischke

Menomonee Falls, WI
2019-09-07T19:15:18Z
Jim Toon, check where the period is in that sentence.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T19:42:30Z
Last post for me, but just had to pass along what I just read from a local sports columnist:
"The Raiders are once again the laughingstock of the NFL - the franchise that every other one looks to feel better about themselves".
I feel for their fans.

Cody Hager

Portland, OR
2019-09-07T19:51:20Z
I hope he goes to Cleveland. They would be must watch TV every week.

jim toon

2019-09-07T20:02:27Z
Sorry, I missed the period, sucks needing reading glasses. raiders lose a 3rd and a 5th round pick?

Yaesha Newman

2019-09-07T20:37:01Z
People who beat their wives, were accused of child abuse, have taken steroids, failed drug tests all play in the NFL. I don’t think any of that is less than cursing at a GM. My guess is Cincinnati.

Jeff Emmett

Tacoma, WA
2019-09-07T20:37:18Z
It is starting to look like Brown should have changed that helmet out 10 years ago.

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T20:39:34Z
When the injuries come, someone will sign Brown.

Bruce Sadler

Lakeland, FL
2019-09-07T20:41:27Z
I am Going to go out on a limb and say if any team does it might be Seattle .
But i am not sure Pete Carrol wants to deal with him .But that is who really needs a wr .

Andrew Beach

Toronto, ON
2019-09-07T20:58:50Z
What does it do for Oakland’s total team tds Ian?

Shane Thompson

Oklahoma City, OK
2019-09-07T21:00:35Z
I just traded Brown for Landry. Way too much drama with Brown and the word is out. I think there's a really good chance he doesn't play at all this season. My advice to Brown owners...move him now while there's so much attention and uncertainty/hope about his future.

Jonathan Gertner

Saint Joseph, MO
2019-09-07T21:06:53Z
New England it is for a 1-year contract up to $15 Million!

Jonathan Gertner

Saint Joseph, MO
2019-09-07T21:08:34Z
Andy, does that mean that New England is NOT smart?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T21:09:55Z
It happened and I’m wrong.

It remains to be seen if this particular move turns out to be smart.

jim toon

2019-09-07T21:17:59Z
Just signed with the pats , unreal!!!!!

Jonathan Gertner

Saint Joseph, MO
2019-09-07T21:18:30Z
Imagine a Power Running game and a 3-WR-set of Josh Gordon, Antonio Brown, and Julian Edelman! Who needs a TE?

Robert Heater

Gaithersburg, MD
2019-09-07T21:20:38Z
lol, Shane, poor guy

Jim Backstrom

Henderson, NV
2019-09-07T21:24:01Z
Are the Patriots the new "raiders" with Gordon and Brown??

John Knebels

Havertown, PA
2019-09-07T21:26:38Z
Brown as a Patriot is not the same as Brown as a Steeler. I think it actually helps NE players like Edelman and their other receivers, maybe even their running game. My prediction is that Brown catches about 75 balls for 1000 yards and seven or eight touchdowns.

John Evans

Rochester, MN
2019-09-07T21:29:38Z
Andy’s still right. The Pats are not smart. They will regret this

Victor Giustiniani

2019-09-07T21:31:21Z
AB is the new TO. Can already see him crying at the next press conference defending 'his quarterback'.

Victor Giustiniani

2019-09-07T21:36:53Z
Makes you wonder how this drama will affect a recovering addict, I would be very surprised if Gordon remains if AB stays,

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T21:38:21Z
Let's see if there's any guaranteed $$$ in this contract. If not, then it's a 'high-upside/no-downside' signing for the Pats. If AB keeps up his Insano act, I really don't see it having any non-temporary effect on a Pats locker room.

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T21:39:17Z
Oh, and I'm now rooting against the Pats this year.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-07T21:40:51Z
The circus is coming to Foxboro! So in the last 72 hours I have been right...wrong...right...and now wrong again on Brown...this is insane. Now I get to watch this guy up close in N.E..

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T21:48:25Z
As the Raiders saga just proved, even “guaranteed” money can be contractually reclaimed under the broad designation of detrimental conduct. I underestimated New England’s willingness to take on this locker room risk. But financially, I have no doubt they’re protected if he did something bizarre like secretly recording conversations with his coach and posting them online or something similarly ridiculous.

Shaun Hawkins

Albany, GA
2019-09-07T21:48:49Z
Get your popcorn ready, Dennis. ;)

David Stoner

Largo, FL
2019-09-07T21:52:04Z
Can't change his spots. He'll implode. Maybe Cheatriots are too smart for their own good. We'll see. If BillyBoy can tame this tiger then he is the GOAT

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T22:00:50Z
$9 mill signing bonus. If there are conditions on that, I imagine we wouldn't hear about it unless/until the Pats tried to claw back the bonus.

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T22:04:09Z
I'd wager on an implosion. Unless the Pats transfer a good amount of Edelman's catches to Antonio, I can't see him being happy there or quiet about such unhappiness.

JIM BRUNO

Roebling, NJ
2019-09-07T22:04:21Z
Or perhaps he just wanted out of Oakland all along and will be happy and flourish in NE? Perhaps he just took a page out of the recent NBA players playbook when they want to opt out of their current contract.. His fantasy value might even go way up being that he has a proven QB throwing to him and a team that really needed instant WR help.

Richard Loppnow

Ephrata, WA
2019-09-07T22:05:28Z
Prediction: the Pats will cut Antonio before Halloween, and announce Gronk's de-retirement the day after.

Adam Bjork

Waunakee, WI
2019-09-07T22:09:52Z
Brown played the Raiders. NE has to be the number one place he wanted to play. He’s now the biggest villain in the NFL and all he has to do is play nice with his new team and hardly out any cash. I wish raiders would have traded him to Miami. That would have been real punishment.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T22:13:17Z
If this all was his master plan, so be it. But don’t rule out the possibility he does have a screw loose. In which case playing nice all season might be beyond him.

jim toon

2019-09-07T22:17:48Z
Going forward, how does this affect Edleman?

PETE DEBIASE

Havertown, PA
2019-09-07T22:28:35Z
Foxboro is the new Island of Misfit Toys.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T22:28:48Z
Brown may have had a contact in an influential position with the Pats, and the whole scenario was orchestrated to get him out of Oakland. Alienate the front office, alienate the HC, get jettisoned into the waiting arms of the Pats. Too easy.

Adam Bjork

Waunakee, WI
2019-09-07T22:31:35Z
It’s obviously narcissism. I thought Mayock and Gruden we’re handling this perfectly when they fined and then suspended him. Rather than cut him make him sit at home with no game checks. Too bad the NFL can’t do something? This is a slippery slope and Brown is not likely the only narcissist in the NFL. I like the optimism that no one would pick him up with the baggage but this is an ideal situation for a team like the patriots. Worst case you keep him off another teams roster.

Nick Roth

Depoe Bay, OR
2019-09-07T22:32:28Z
Great call Jonathan, I think Belicheck will make it work, it has to diminish Josh Gordons' role more than anyone else. That's my initial reaction.

Yaesha Newman

2019-09-07T22:33:32Z
Pats don’t take any crap. They have probably have a 1 strike you’re out policy. I think the scorned wide receivers like it there because winning a championship is a big FU to the teams who cut him.

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T22:34:06Z
My post just above was for the myriads of conspiracy theorists among the Raiders fans out there.

Yaesha Newman

2019-09-07T22:37:16Z
By the way, Pats get the whole game plan for Pittsburgh. Typical Pats espionage.

Benjamin MacLeod

Concord, NH
2019-09-07T22:37:26Z
I think the main lesson to be learned in all of this is that the media sensationalizes things and sways public opinion. The narrative based on what we saw on Twitter suggested AB would never play again. I’m guessing the reality is more in line with him not wanting to play in PIT any more and definitely not in OAK. Maybe his antics were intentional so he could play where he wanted to and his Agent must have known as much. We were all played the fool.

Andrew Napoli

Alexandria, VA
2019-09-07T22:38:46Z
How does this impact Josh Jacobs?

Bruce Sadler

Lakeland, FL
2019-09-07T22:39:31Z
say what you want .Ihate the pats and so does every team in the nfl . they have no true number one wr they do now he can go deep run posts take a slant to the house .This makes them a slam dunk super bowl bound hell they won it all last year without a true number why does everyone think this will not work out AB yes he the main reason . But i am sure Bill lay down the law to him it is not like they gave him stupid money . Plus a one year deal. If he screws up in New England no one will sign him ever again.He plays smart he will peobably Win a super bowl ring .Smart thing is do one year contracts with someone like this .
BY THE WAY I EXSTREAMLY HATE THE PATS , TOM BRADY,AND AB.
THEY ALL CAN GO .
I am sure Tom told AB i am the only one to Kiss Kraft on the lips if we win the Super bowl

Andrew Napoli

Alexandria, VA
2019-09-07T22:39:58Z
Did Brown have to consent to be traded from the Steelers to the Raiders? It certainly did seem AB was going out of his way to get kicked off the Raiders.

Tim McWilliams

Pittsburgh, PA
2019-09-07T22:52:06Z
Patsys can have him. They think he will tell them all of the STEELERS secrets. He only cares about himself. Belicheat won't put up with his tantrums.

James Costello

Portland, ME
2019-09-07T22:55:01Z
The Patriots are indeed masterful with cheating. They traded two Oakland draft picks for AB

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-07T23:00:07Z
If Antonio Brown even looks cross eyed @ Bill once...he will be sent to the showers and be free to start his own reality show. I could be wrong...actually another Billy....Billy Joel likes to sing “you maybe wrong but you maybe right...and it’s about a lunatic.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-07T23:07:14Z
Whats the comment number record here @ the Index...it could be broken tonight?

Paul Desimone

Hayward, CA
2019-09-07T23:07:26Z
At least Lane Kiffin got a 4th-runder for Moss. All Jon Gruden gets is a migraine and a dunce cap for AB.

Sorry, no more mean jokes. Some of my best friends are Raiders fans.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T23:54:46Z
I thought the Patriots were going to the Super Bowl a week ago. If they didn’t make it I thought the problem would be offensive line (Center, left tackle) or pass rush. I wasn’t sitting around saying man they really need another wide receiver. Maybe Rodney Hudson can have a meltdown to get the Raiders to cut him, too.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-07T23:57:02Z
Andrew, I figure Jacobs will have less running room but catch more short passes. It’s not a plus for him but he’ll probably have more 3-4 yard receptions.

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-08T00:00:24Z
Benjamin, if Brown didn’t want to play in Oakland all along he could have forced his release a lot sooner, or refused to report, etc. I don’t want to give the guy too much credit for long-range thinking here.

Dennis Salisbury

Cranston, RI
2019-09-08T00:18:28Z
Andy: I get the feeling Brown will be a Saint with Bill for the rest of this year @ least...poor Harry is useless this year...maybe all other Patriot catchers take a hit here as well? This has been a fantasy quagmire this last week because of this clown. Anyone else need a double IPA?

Andy Richardson

Port Chester, NY
2019-09-08T00:44:54Z
I’d given up on Harry’s rookie season as soon as Gordon was reinstated. (And odds were never great in the first place.) None of us no Brown so who knows if he behaves all year or is already planning to post Instagram videos of Robert Kraft’s leisure activities at his first opportunity.

PETE DEBIASE

Havertown, PA
2019-09-08T01:43:09Z
I have this image of AB incognito in the massage parlor filming one of Mr. Kraft’s “sessions” and posting it on Instagram.

Bruce Sadler

Lakeland, FL
2019-09-08T02:13:47Z
PETE DEBIASE (Havertown, PA)
Iwas thinking the same thing you know they go to Miami week two be funny as hell if he videoed Kraft getting a massage wink wink

Jim Kontopoulos

Northbrook, IL
2019-09-09T20:44:12Z
Reminds me of when Randy Moss landed in NE and the season that both he and Brady enjoyed - Billy B. and Kraft have a history of turning around such malcontents at least for a season or two. NE's Super Bowls chances just took another step forward.
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