Well a wild, crazy, and drama filled offseason has ended with Antonio Brown never suiting up for the Raiders. Oakland was obviously tired of having to deal with the headaches from their newly acquired star receiver. This isn’t a shocking move after the back and forth was too much for both sides to live with one another. This article will breakdown of the move, and what it means for both sides.
Reaction, Analysis, and What’s Next:
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders were aggresive this offseason, and were happy to bring in multiple time pro-bowl wide receiver in Antonio Brown. It seemed like a fresh start for Antonio, and he immediately was handed an extension after arriving in Oakland. Then the tide started to turn in the middle of the offseason. Antonio Brown began to have an ongoing battle with the NFL wanting to wear his old helmet. The NFL has introduced a new helmet that is supposed to be safer for players given the brutality of the sport. Antonio had an issue with the helmet, and refused to report to training camp because of the issue. He then dealt with foot issues after a mishap in a cryotherapy session where he didn’t wear the proper foot wear. Many were concerned about Antonio’s long term health, but it seemed he was recovering and in line to play. The drama doesn’t stop there as Brown recently was involved in a shouting match with GM Mike Mayock. They had to be separated, Brown apparently threatened to strike the GM calling him inappropriate names and kicking items in his direction. This issue stems from the Raiders fining Brown for missing training camp and other practice sessions. They threatened to withhold his 30 million guaranteed money if Brown didn’t show up to practice. The saga finally ended this morning when news broke that the Raiders were going to void the guaranteed money on Brown’s contract. This led Antonio Brown to ask for his release via social media, and the Raiders granting his request. At last, this story is finally over and hopefully both sides can move forward. In the end, the Steelers actually won the trade as they received two draft picks while Brown never even played a down for Oakland. The Raiders in this case were just tired of dealing with Brown’s issues, and felt it was better to move forward without him. This puts the team in a tough position, and their offense is likely to struggle after being hyped up this offseason. A sad ending to a bad situation for both sides as this marriage seemed to be doomed from the start.
Antonio Brown: Brown wanted to be away from a controlling organization that didn’t treat him with respect in the Steelers (in his opinion). I do believe that Brown was justified in his grievances against the Steelers, but he never tried to make it work in Oakland. He found himself in controversy after contreversy, and towards the end seemed desperate to just get out. I believe Brown arrived in Oakland, and quickly realized this was not a good spot for him. This was his goal in my view for the last several weeks to force the team to release him so he can pick where he wants to go. Despite all of the off the field issues, Brown is a supreme wide receiver when focused on football. He is a tremendous route runner, has excellent hands, and has a tremendous first step. He can spread the defense with his speed, and plays with a high football IQ. Antonio can play on the outside, in the slot, and can even make plays out of the backfield. It will be interesting to see which team will take a chance on him, and there are several teams that could use receiver help. Brown is going to be signed it’s just a matter of when and where. Brown is likely to pursue legal action against the Raiders for the voided guaranteed money situation. This will likely be a long, drawn out process with no end in sight. I’d be surprised if the money obligation issues are resolved anytime soon. However, Brown will find a new home, and will likely be a major difference maker for a franchise in the near future.
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