The New England Patriots and Antonio Brown have agreed to a one-year deal that is worth up to $15 million and includes a $9 million signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Brown was released earlier Saturday by the Oakland Raiders, the team he was traded to this offseason after forcing his way off the Pittsburgh Steelers. His stint under coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock was tumultuous. Brown’s relationship with the organization deteriorated in a matter of months, and he demanded his release on Friday night. The Raiders released him on Saturday morning, and the Patriots appear to have put together a deal just hours later.
Brown’s dramatic tenure in Oakland comes after an ugly breakup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. He spent the 2019 offseason fighting to get traded and ultimately landed with the Raiders.
While Brown is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, his attitude created issues in both Pittsburgh in Oakland. With the Steelers, he was critical of Ben Roethlisberger. It got to the point where Brown could no longer tolerate Roethlisberger — and the Steelers finished their 2018 season without Brown.
In Oakland, Brown’s tenure began with problems. First, he missed practice because his feet were covered in blisters after an accident in a cryotherapy chamber. Then he missed more time while filing a helmet grievance with the NFL. He was fined for those absences, which worsened his relationship with Mayock before the team decided to part ways with Brown.
Brown joins a Patriots team that includes wide receivers Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, Demaryius Thomas, Phillip Dorsett, Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski.
The Patriots will have to make a corresponding move to create a roster spot for Brown when he signs.
