After returning to the NFL this past season, Antonio Brown is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason. The former All-Pro had some bright spots in 11 games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brown had two postseason touchdown catches, including one in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl victory.
Despite not being heavily featured in Tampa Bay's offense, Brown showed in Week 17 he's still a No. 1 receiver. After being targeted 15 times, Brown finished with 11 catches for 138 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions.
While multiple teams need another wide receiver, we want to look at teams where Brown would be a necessity rather than a luxury. With this in mind let's take a look at three teams that need to sign the star receiver.
3. Washington Football Team
The Washington Football Team was the beneficiary of being in the worst division in football. Even without a winning record, Washington managed to make the playoffs, before losing on wild card weekend.
If Washington is unable to make a move at quarterback this offseason, it will still have a healthy Alex Smith back under center. The 2020 Comeback Player of the Year led Washington to a 5-1 record when starting last season.
Signing Brown would be a significant move for Washington. Outside of Terry McLaurin, who had over 1,000 yards receiving last season, Washington has no playmakers at receiver. Adding Brown to go alongside McLaurin would give Washington one of the best receiving duos in the NFL.
With this new receiver duo and the trio of running backs Washington already has, the offense should be much improved from being ranked 25th in points per game in 2020.
After signing Brown, Washington should have everything they need to compete in the NFC. This includes a stout defense led by 2020 Rookie of the Year Chase Young, a veteran coach in Ron Rivera and a more dynamic offense.
2. Miami Dolphins
In year two under head coach Brian Flores, the Miami Dolphins made great strides in their rebuilding process. However, the one problem the Dolphins face is at quarterback. Throughout the 2020 season, Miami played both Tua Tagovailoa and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Unlike, his rookie classmates in Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, Tagovailoa didn't establish himself on the NFL level. The Dolphins could help their young quarterback by signing Antonio Brown.
Miami didn't have any receiver surpass one thousand yards receiving last season. This is a feat Brown accomplished in six straight seasons from 2013-18.
While wide receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki are good players, they're not as talented as Brown.
Tagovailoa is used to playing with immensely talented receivers he can rely on. During his time at the University of Alabama, Tagovailoa played with Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, both of whom were both first-round picks. Not to mention, Devonta Smith, who won the 2020 Heisman Trophy, as a receiver.
By signing Brown, the Dolphins' ability to evaluate Tagovailoa will be easier. If he can't take them to the playoffs after playing with a true NO. 1 receiver then he might not be their franchise quarterback after all.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Of the three teams listed, the Baltimore Ravens are the only team that had a previous interest in signing Brown. Last offseason before Brown ended up with the Buccaneers, the Ravens showed interested in him. Even Ravens' quarterback Lamar Jackson had hopes that the former Pro Bowler would sign with the team.
Opposed to the last offseason, Brown is no longer seen as locker room cancer and no longer has an eight-game suspension hanging over his head.
Acquiring Brown would directly address the Ravens' biggest weakness of effectively throwing downfield. Baltimore's 171 passing yards per game ranked last in the NFL. With Brown on the field, Baltimore becomes a more balanced offense, which is needed for them to become Super Bowl contenders.
It must be noted that Brown already has family ties within the Ravens organization. The Ravens' current best receiver in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown is Antonio Brown's cousin. Not only does Baltimore have a need at receiver for Brown but they also have a locker room that's happy to welcome him.
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