Getty Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown looks on during a November 2020 game.
The Baltimore Ravens could be the next team to sign controversial wide receiver Antonio Brown, who said that Lamar Jackson and the Ravens were “next in line” on the I Am Athlete podcast on January 24.
Former Denver Broncos All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall asked Brown about his future plans on the podcast following Brown’s dramatic departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 6.
“Action Jackson,” responded Brown, referring to the Ravens quarterback’s penchant for making highlight plays.
“Let’s give Lamar Jackson his flowers,” continued the five-time All-Pro, who is the cousin of Ravens star wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. The pair of cousins worked out with Jackson during the 2020 offseason, sparking the first rumors of Brown coming to Baltimore before he signed with the Buccaneers and winning Super Bowl LV.
Brown continued to praise Jackson on the podcast, calling him a “great quarterback” for both his throwing ability and dynamism as a dual-threat to both pass and run the ball.
Brown’s comments already drew plenty of attention on social media before Jackson retweeted the clip with a cryptic emoji, indicating that he may be in favor of Brown signing with the Ravens.
Jackson has previously indicated his support for adding Brown to an already-dangerous offense, telling media in April 2020, “I’d be happy if we signed him.”
Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey also tweeted about recruiting free agents to play in Baltimore shortly after Brown’s comments, though it’s unclear if Humphrey was specifically referencing Brown in his tweet.
It’s some free agents that definitely want to #CometoTheRavens
Rapper Kodak Black, who grew up in South Florida with Jackson, also supported Brown potentially signing with the Ravens after he was released by the Buccaneers.
Could Brown Play in Baltimore?
While Jackson certainly appears to be interested in adding Brown to his collection of targets, it’s unclear if the Ravens’ front office and coaching staff share his enthusiasm, especially after Brown’s repeated disagreements with his former coaches and the NFL.
Baltimore currently has just over $14 million in cap space for the 2022 season, per Spotrac, though trading or releasing veterans like Marcus Peters and Alejandro Villanueva could free up some additional money.
Brown left Tampa Bay partially due to differences over guarantees in his contract, according to Heavy’s Matthew Davis, so he might be looking for a fully-guaranteed contract from his next team.
The Ravens may not be willing to take such a chance on a player who has been with four different teams since 2018, with each stint ending in controversy.
Ravens Fans Split on Adding Brown
Ravens fans were divided on whether or not the team should sign Brown on Twitter, with some saying that the mercurial receiver’s talent was worth the baggage he would bring to Baltimore.
One fan even compared Brown to Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens, who was known for his larger-than-life, outspoken personality during his NFL career.
Received this message from a #Ravens fan regarding Antonio Brown:
“So what if he’s a little crazy….most of us from Baltimore already are….he would be great for this City and team.
He’s the modern day Terrell Owens.”
Thoughts?
With veteran receiver Sammy Watkins not expected to return to the Ravens after his one-year deal expires in March, the Ravens may be looking to add another experienced player to a wide receiver room whose oldest player is 25 years old.
All I’m saying is I’d rather have Antonio Brown than Sammy Watkins 😶
But other fans warned of Brown’s history of locker room drama, saying that any disruptions caused by his antics would be detrimental to the team.
PLEASE @Ravens, keep Antonio Brown out of our locker room!