Report: Patriots Players & Coaches Would Welcome Back Antonio Brown

According to Jason La Canfora, players and coaches on the Patriots would welcome a return to New England by WR Antonio Brown. 

La Canfora adds that Patriots owner Robert Kraft is the deciding factor and so far he has not shown any inclination to change his mind. Kraft released Brown after it became public he sent intimidating text messages to a woman who accused him of sexual harassment. 

Brown remains in limbo with the NFL as it continues its investigation into allegations of rape and sexual harassment. There’s a belief that even if a team signs Brown the NFL could place him on the commissioner’s exempt list, meaning he won’t play this season. 

However, several members of the Patriots have remained publicly supportive of Brown despite his acrimonious release from the team. La Canfora said the chemistry between Brown and Patriots QB Tom Brady was quickly evident and the quarterback would welcome a return by Brown to spark a depleted pass-catching group. 

Since being released from the Patriots and filing grievances against both Oakland and New England seeking to recoup $40 million in salary, Brown has kept a lower profile, though there have still been occasional outbursts on social media.

Brown, 31, is a former sixth-round pick of the Steelers back in 2010. He was in the third year of his five-year, $72.71 million contract when the Steelers traded him to the Raiders back in March. 

The Raiders later signed Brown to a new contract worth $50.125 million and includes $30.125 million guaranteed. However, Oakland made the decision to release Brown before the start of the season and he later signed a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with the Patriots.

Brown lasted just 11 days in New England.  

In 2019, Brown appeared in one game for the Patriots and caught four passes for 56 yards receiving and one touchdown.

We’ll have more regarding Brown as the news is available.