It's not a real NFL season if Antonio Brown's name doesn't spread from off-the-field distractions. The Buccaneers' receiver is once again making headlines for something that shouldn't have happened in the first place. This time it's from a fake vaccination card. Are we ever going to see a full season of Brown avoiding trouble? Those days could be over.
The former All-Pro receiver is now suspended for three games due to breaking the NFL's Covid-19 protocols. Head coach Bruce Arians did not speak on Brown's future with the team after the matter. Brown helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl last season so it will be interesting to see what they decide to do with him. With that being said, here are two reasons why the Buccaneers should keep Brown rather than release him amid the violations.
1. Super Bowl Contributor
Antonio Brown was a major part of the Bucs winning the Super Bowl last season. During the 2020 regular season, he caught 45 passes for 483 yards and four touchdowns to help the Buccaneers earn a top seed in the playoffs. He scored a touchdown in the first playoff game against the Washington Football Team. He then scored again off five receptions in the Super Bowl to help dominate the Kansas City Chiefs.
Brown proved his worth to the team after there were already skeptics about him being able to play at a high level again. Tom Brady was a huge advocate to get Brown on the roster and it certainly paid off for them. The Bucs are in a position to win the Super Bowl again this year. If Brown is available come postseason and Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Rob Gronkowski are all healthy, then they will have a great chance. Brady is still playing at a high level and will have a plethora of options to choose from once again. Brown will benefit the team in the playoffs with his mismatch capability. There aren't many defenses that can contain all of them.
2. He's Still Got It
Antonio Brown certainly proved his worth to the team in 2020. But what about this year? Leaving all the distractions aside, Brown can still run crisp routes, catch every pass thrown his way, and outrun most defenders. He has only played in five games this year and he's done well in four of the five. On Opening Night, Brown caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the win. He looked like he was in his Pittsburgh Steelers days with how easy he made it look. In five games this year, Brown caught 29 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns. He scored twice against the Miami Dolphins and added 124 yards in what was his best game in years.
Antonio Brown is now 33 years old. He's getting to the age where his agility won't be where it was in his prime but he is still able to produce at a high level. He's clearly one of the better receivers in the league when he's at his best and there are only a select few DBs who can stop him. If the Buccaneers decide to keep Brown and utilize him in the playoffs then that will benefit the team moving forward. The team could regret losing him if they do decide the release him and avoid any further distractions.
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