The news that everyone was dreading has become a reality. Following his release from the Oakland Raiders, Antonio Brown has signed with the New England Patriots. That isn't a typo.
As always, the Patriots continue to find ways to benefit from other team's misfortunes. The Patriots adding an All-Pro receiver who has character concerns sounds all too familiar.
That's because this has happened before when the Oakland Raiders traded Randy Moss to New England after the Hall-of-Famer continually exclaimed that he didn't want to play for the silver and black. This time, though, the Raiders traded a third and fifth-round pick for Brown, just for him to sign with the Patriots.
Bill Belichick and the Patriots continue to play chess while the rest of the NFL is playing checkers. The Patriots will have to get through to Brown, but Belichick has had his fair share of experience with players who flamed out elsewhere.
With that being said, here are five things that Antonio Brown brings to the Patriots this season
5. Cameras, Cameras, and More Cameras
When the Patriots made the decision to sign Brown, they did so with the understanding that there would be constant chatter about the receiver during his time with the team. Cameras will undoubtedly be following Brown's every move throughout his tenure in New England.
Over the past 365 days, Brown has quickly changed into a villain in the football world. The once-beloved wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers is now joining a team that everyone despises. It's a perfect match when you really think about it.
Belichick is typically reserved during his time with the media, but he will inevitably be asked questions pertaining to his new receiver every single week. The addition of Brown will shine lights onto New England's team, which can be a good or bad thing.
4. More Wins
Outside of the drama that comes with signing Brown, the Patriots realize that the veteran receiver can help them win games. That's what it is all about, right?
While other teams surely worried about the problems that Brown brings to the table, New England believes that the positives outweigh the negatives. Brown will likely still have his lapses of judgment, but if he's helping New England win games, that's all that matters.
Before the 2019 season began, many people were choosing the Patriots to make their way into the Super Bowl yet again. Now, if everything goes according to plan, they will be hoisting another Lombardi trophy next February.
3. Experience
After signing with the Patriots, Brown is entering his 10th season in the NFL. He may not be a phenomenal leader, but he does bring some experience to his new team.
Earlier in the offseason, the Patriots drafted N'Keal Harry in the first round of the draft. It was the first time that New England has selected a wide receiver in the first round since Belichick has been the head coach.
As a result, many people believed that Harry was going to have to be relied upon as a rookie wideout. Instead, they can put their trust into veterans like Brown, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Demaryius Thomas, one of the most accomplished groups of pass-catchers in the NFL.
2. Work Ethic
No matter what your opinion is when it comes to AB, you can't deny the fact that he's one of the hardest workers in the NFL. Even the head coach (Jon Gruden) who just had to release him constantly said that Brown is the hardest-working player he's ever been around.
Considering that Gruden has worked with the likes of Jerry Rice, Joey Galloway, and Sterling Sharpe in his career, that statement holds some weight. Prior to the NFL, Brown was always overlooked and even went to a smaller college in Central Michigan. Even coming out of college, the new Patriots receiver was selected in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to become one of the most productive receivers in NFL history.
1. Production
Above all, Brown's arrival in New England will provide the reigning Super Bowl champs with plenty of production. Over the past six seasons, it's tough to find another receiver who has been as productive as Brown was in Pittsburgh.
In those six years, Brown averaged 114 receptions, 1,524 yards, and 11 touchdowns – numbers that are hard to reach in Madden, let alone in real life.
Brown benefitted from having Ben Roethlisberger as his quarterback, but now he will somehow upgrade at the position with Tom Brady throwing him the ball. If Brown remains on the field, expect another stat-filled season for the remarkable wideout.
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