New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton spoke with the media following the team’s Friday practice session, as well as an earlier workout with six free agent wide receivers including four-time All-Pro Antonio Brown.
When asked why the Saints were hosting Brown on a visit now after having denied any interest in the player back in September. His response speaks for itself.
“Well, I probably wasn’t telling you the truth a few months ago,” Payton admitted. “We’ve done this at other positions (than wide receiver). We’re looking closely all the time at ‘Who are the players available, and how can they help us?’ Especially as we’re getting ready for the postseason.”
Payton added that the Saints don’t plan on signing Brown at this time, and they’re waiting on more information from the NFL office in New York as to whether the wide receiver would be subject to a league suspension due to recent allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. Beyond any legal issues, Brown’s troubling social media activity is also something on the Saints’ radar.
“All of it, all of that goes into a decision like that,” Payton answered when asked whether the team actually monitors what players like Brown are doing, saying, recording, or posting online. “It’s part of the process of bringing a player in.” He noted that he had never had a conversation with Brown before, so Friday’s visit was a big part of their fact-finding mission.
While the Saints haven’t signed Brown yet, the possibility of it happening can’t be ruled out. Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, spoke highly of his meeting with the Saints to ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Antonio had a very good visit today and we will continue our discussions with the Saints.” This story won’t be going away any time soon.
