MIAMI , MA. – SEPTEMBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates Antonio Brown’s #17 touchdown during the second quarter of the NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at the Hard Rock Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Miami , Florida. (Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald)
With Tom Brady signed, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been linked to Antonio Brown. However, head coach Bruce Arians says there’s no chance.
Antonio Brown won’t be joining Tom Brady.
On Thursday, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians spoke on CBS Sports Radio and was asked about whether Brown was a potential fit to rejoin his old (albeit brief), teammate. Arians didn’t mince words.
“Yeah, it’s not going to happen,” Arians said on the Tiki and Tierney Show. “There’s no room. There’s probably not enough money but it’s just not going to happen. It’s not a fit here.”
Arians has no reason to take a chance on Brown. Unlike the New England Patriots, who signed Brown last year to give Brady another outside weapon, the Buccaneers don’t need him. Tampa Bay has two Pro Bowlers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, alongside tight ends Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. If anything, Tampa Bay might spend additional cap space to fortify its secondary or offensive line.
Brown is also still suspended indefinitely by the NFL. The 31-year-old receiver played one game last year with the Patriots after being released in September by the Oakland Raiders following a string of bizarre and inflammatory behavior.
Brown then signed immediately with the Patriots but was released less than two weeks later after an explosive Sports Illustrated report alleged Brown had threatened a woman whom he previously contracted to work at his home. This after Brown allegedly made an unwanted sexual advance on her in 2017.
There is no current hearing in place for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to review Brown’s case.