ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Seattle Seahawks kicked the tires on signing embattled receiver Antonio Brown last week, with quarterback Russell Wilson leading the charge to try to bring him in.
The Seahawks chose not to sign Brown – at least for now – choosing instead to put a claim on another former Patriots wideout, Josh Gordon.
Gordon will not be active against the Buccaneers on Sunday, but is expected to be a prominent part of Seattle’s offense starting in Week 10 against the 49ers.
Brown only played in one game this season, hauling in four receptions and a touchdown for the Patriots, before the team waived him following reports of sexual assault levied against Brown by multiple women.
The NFL is investigating the reports and appears a long way away from making a decision, which likely deterred the Seahawks – and the rest of the NFL – from offering him a contract.
Brown’s saga with the Oakland Raiders certainly didn’t help either. He was cut before ever suiting up in Oakland thanks to a variety of scandals, including issues with his helmet, arguments with front office personnel and a surprise foot injury that was easily avoidable.
Gordon comes with baggage of his own certainly, but at least he has performed on the field this season with 20 receptions for 287 yards and a touchdown through six games.
The 6-2 Seahawks lost red zone target Will Dissly to a season-ending achilles injury, and Wilson no doubt was campaigning for help in his receiving group with a challenging second half schedule looming.
Whether Brown plays in the NFL this season, or ever again, remains to be seen, but you can bet the Seahawks will continue to monitor his situation, especially if signing him will make Wilson happy.
