The New Orleans Saints, who are (12-3) and finish their 2019 Regular Season schedule this weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina against their NFC South Division rivals the Carolina Panthers, might have some additional help for the upcoming NFL Playoffs in a week and a half from now, from a most unlikely source: controversial former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Antonio Brown posted this on his Instagram story followed by a video clearly from inside the Saints locker room pic.twitter.com/D4mupZERcB
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 27, 2019
The tryout is probably less about if he’s in shape and more about finding out where his head is at. But then there’s the matter of the NFL actually letting him play during the investigation into the sexual assault allegations and the ongoing civil suit accusing him of rape
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 27, 2019
Free-agent WR Antonio Brown is in New Orleans this morning, working out for the Saints, per source. Saints are doing their due diligence.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
Per his Instagram account and initially reported by the Athletic New Orleans.com beat writer Katherine Terrell and later confirmed by ESPN Insider Adam Schefter per Twitter, the much-maligned but still ultra-talented pass-catcher extraordinaire signed an official waiver form with the Black and Gold earlier this morning that allowed the 31-year old to work out and possibly join the team if he passed a physical.
Brown — the four-time NFL 1st Team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection who in recent seasons has led the entire League in total catches, receiving yards, and touchdown receptions would be a HUGE ADDITION to the team’s high-powered offense that already features the NFL’s current leading #1 wide receiver in Michael Thomas.
In nine NFL seasons, Brown has tallied over 11,000 receiving yards and 75 TDs. It’s unclear if the Saints will be able to navigate the lingering legal issues that Brown still faces, and how that would ultimately will affect Brown’s status with the Saints franchise in the future going forward.
But this much is evident: Brown in the Saints offense with Brees, Thomas, Kamara, and Jared Cook, will make the Black and Gold HEAVY FAVORITES to reach Super Bowl LIV (54), which will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on February 2nd of early next year.
The pro: Antonio Brown would fit like a glove next to Michael Thomas and be a dynamic alternative to him, Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook.
The con: He could be the rogue plutonium ion in the team’s alchemy.
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) December 27, 2019
From @gmfb: The #Saints are working out FA WR Antonio Brown today. He is not currently on the Commissioner’s Exempt list. The NFL said this season, “If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation.” pic.twitter.com/eonlQVt8no
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019
NFL has not concluded its investigation of Antonio Brown; uncertain when it will. Even after it wraps, Brown still could face additional discipline. Saints bringing in Brown for due diligence, not Sunday’s game vs. Panthers. But Saints take big WR swings; see Dez Bryant last year
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
As reported by NFL.com Insider Ian Rapoport: Brown currently is NOT on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell‘s player exemption list. The NFL said this season, “If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation.”
So in other words: the League has a decision to make on whether or not Brown will or won’t be eligible to play for the Saints not only for the upcoming Playoffs, but if at all period.
Saints head coach Sean Payton later told reporters after Brown’s workout that the team would need to get clarity from the League as to whether or not Brown would be eligible to play in the post-season if they were indeed to sign the controversial superstar to a contract.
But that for the immediate time being, Brown was one of six WR’s that the team worked out in case of injuries or for depth purposes. “We worked them out. Gave them physicals. Mainly doing our due diligence on all of those players”, Payton said at his post-afternoon Friday press conference.
Saints’ HC Sean Payton on Antonio Brown’s workout amongst a group of wideouts. “We worked them out. Gave them physicals. Mainly doing our due diligence on all of those players.” No signing of anyone at this time.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
Sean Payton said the Saints would need to get clarity from the league on whether Antonio Brown would be eligible to play this postseason if they signed him. Said for now they’re doing their due diligence and he was one of six receivers they auditioned.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) December 27, 2019
Antonio Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, who accompanied his client on his visit to New Orleans and also met with Saints’ officials, said, “Antonio had a very good visit today and we will continue our discussions with the Saints.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2019
Antonio Brown found Zion Williamson while in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/6AUBK5wg2q
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 27, 2019
Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who was in NOLA earlier today and accompanied Brown on his work-out with the team, told ESPN’s Schefter that “Antonio had a very good visit today and we will continue our discussions with the Saints”.
Is that an indication that Brown could end up wearing the Black and Gold at some point, after all???
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #Saints and FA WR Antonio Brown will “keep talking” after he shined at his workout today. New Orleans needs more info to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/ntX013cVSm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2019
Big Easy Magazine will update this story further, as warranted……
Barry Hirstius is a semi-retired journalist, who has worked as a sports editor and columnist. Barry is a New Orleans native who grew up as a fan of the Saints while attending games as a young boy at the old Tulane Stadium. He is the proud Grandfather of two beautiful young girls, Jasmine and Serenity. Follow him on Twitter: @BarryHirstius
