Getty Patriots players and coaches desire an Antonio Brown return.
The New England Patriots are reportedly interested in bringing back Antonio Brown for a second stint this season.
According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Patriots players and coaches are open to a reunion with Brown. However, it is still unclear if team owner Robert Kraft is on board with Brown being re-signed by the Patriots.
Robert Kraft is Still Against Idea of Re-Signing Brown
The report by La Canfora states that Kraft hasn’t shown an inclination to re-sign Brown — contrary to what Pats players and coaches desire.
“Former Patriots receiver Antonio Brown continues to train in hopes of a return this season, while the NFL determines any discipline from accusations of sexual assault made against him in a civil lawsuit. New England players and coaches would welcome him back, sources said.” La Canfora explained.
The report goes on to detail that Kraft is indeed the deciding factor, but Brown’s social media comments following his release appear to be a looming issue.
“Owner Robert Kraft, who released Brown after playing one game with the team, is the deciding factor, and has not shown an inclination to give the receiver another shot after his repeated missteps on social media in the aftermath of his release by the Patriots months ago. However, if Kraft were to reconsider, sources said Brown’s teammates and coaches would support bringing him back, with Brown’s chemistry with Tom Brady obvious from his initial practice with the team and Brown getting along well with all parties during his brief stint there.”
While the topic of whether or not Kraft wants to actually bring back Brown is a whole different story in itself, a timeline for when Brown could actually make his a return is another discussion.
Antonio Brown Could Still Be Suspended
Brown is still meeting with NFL officials regarding his sexual misconduct allegations. Because he hasn’t been on an NFL roster in nearly three months, and the league has yet to determine discipline, there has been no fine or potential suspension handed down.
As La Canfora details in his article, the league is “notorious” for taking its time with on-field investigations — meaning Brown re-signing with the Patriots doesn’t automatically mean he’ll make a return to the field this season.
“There is no timetable for an NFL decision on Brown, and the league is notorious for taking its time in investigations of off-field impropriety. There is also nothing precluding an NFL team from signing Brown as a free agent. Brady was a big proponent of Brown’s ability to lift the offense — New England continues to be short at skill positions and unable to push the ball downfield — and would be very open to a reunion with him, while Brown did not present any problems or issues for coaches in New England either, after major clashes with the staff in Pittsburgh and Oakland.”
Brown appeared in one game with the Patriots — a Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins which saw the Pro Bowl wide receiver catch four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. And despite playing in just one game, he still ranks third on the team in touchdown catches.
The Patriots are 10-1, but signing Brown may be the difference between hoisting a seventh Lombardi Trophy and going home without one.
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