Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh isn’t saying that Antonio Brown will never join the roster, but in the wake of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s expressed desire to bring in the former All-Pro receiver, Harbaugh has certainly made it sound like it won’t be happening any time soon.
“I don’t think he’s available right now,” Harbaugh said, per Aditi Kinkhabwala of the NFL Network.
Day after Lamar Jackson extolled Antonio Brown, #Ravens HC John Harbaugh says he respects his QB's opinion, that team "will look at any and every player" and that AB "is no exception." But then, referencing active NFL investigation, adds: "I don’t think he’s available right now"
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) July 30, 2020
Brown is in the throes of an NFL investigation which stems from accusations of sexual and personal misconduct. With no timeline for when the league may wrap up and levy punishment in said investigation, it’s difficult to see how Baltimore could ink Brown to a deal, even as Harbaugh admitted that the Ravens “will look at any and every player” moving forward.
From 2010-18, there weren’t many players better in the league than Brown. Leading the NFL in receptions during that span, Brown undoubtedly has an on the field Hall of Fame resume. A seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, Brown led the league in receptions and receiving yards twice, while leading the league in touchdowns once during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many of those catches came against the Ravens, for whom Brown was a matchup nightmare.
Many around the league believe that Brown can still be a factor if given the opportunity to play. Adding him to an already explosive offense such as Baltimore’s would a disaster for opposing defenses to gameplan for, which is likely the reason that Jackson, the reigning MVP, was clamoring for Brown’s services.
For now, Brown remains a free agent, even as Jackson has volunteered the Ravens as suitors.
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