NFL Notes: Antonio Brown, Tim Tebow, Franchise Tags

Antonio Brown

• Steelers WR Antonio Brown mentioned in a Twitter Q&A that there’s no conflict between him and QB Ben Roethlisberger and they have “mutual respect” for one another. 
• Brown added that Roethlisberger carries an “owner’s mentality” and can call out “anybody including coaches.” 
• According to Brown, Steelers’ players can’t criticize Roethlisberger or their “meal ticket [is] gone.“
• Brown was asked (Twitter link) about wanting to play for another team and a new contract: “Not for the money its for the love of the sport ! The commitment to win relentlessly consistently passionately ! Plus I made 70 million it’s public record not to be cocky just truth! Time to play for my own Team AB84 the family !“
• As for accusations that he quit on the Steelers due to injury, Brown said (Twitter link): “After the coach tell the team I quit while nursing some bumps then invite me to watch the show with same guys thinking I quit i can not stand with that! I’m the bad guy doe we miss post season think about it.”

Tim Tebow

Former NFL QB Tim Tebow said Orlando Apollos HC Steve Spurrier keeps calling him about playing the AAF. However, Tebow made it clear that he has no intention of returning to football. 

“It wasn’t very hard,” Tebow said of turning down the AAF, via SportsCenter. “And they’ve called a lot. And coach Spurrier keeps calling. And I love coach Spurrier. And they’re great but it was easy, even though it was an awesome offer and it’s great and humbling. I’m all in on baseball. No way could I stop and not give this the chance after everything I’ve worked for. While I’m grateful for the opportunity and talking with Charlie Ebersol, who put the league together, I think is a very smart, great guy. Steve Spurrier who is a great coach. This is what I’m in now and I’m all in.”

Franchise Tags

Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com takes a look at which free agents who could be in line for the franchise tag over the next few weeks.

• Rosenthal considers Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence, Texans OLB Jadeveon Clowney, Chiefs OLB Dee Ford, Seahawks DE Frank Clark, Falcons DT Grady Jarrett and Giants S Landon Collins to be no-brainers for the franchise tag.
• Other possibilities, according to Rosenthal, include Eagles QB Nick Foles, Buccaneers OT Donovan Smith, Ravens LB C.J. Mosley and Patriots DE Trey Flowers.