Why the Buccaneers do (and don’t) need WR Antonio Brown
By Rob Leeds
In a wave-like fashion, the Antonio Brown to the Buccaneers rumors have started up again. Here is why they are and aren’t feasible.
After bringing in Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to Tampa Bay, it seemed as though the sky was the limit for the Buccaneers with the construction of their roster. It was only a matter of time before the rumors started up that Antonio Brown would also join the team.
First and foremost, there is almost no chance that Brown plays in Tampa Bay. The Bucs like their receivers too much, and the thought has been shot down countless times.
On the other hand, the argument that the Bucs “don’t need Brown” is also faulty at best. Every team in the NFL would benefit from him being on the roster bar none.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Getting into why this is almost an impossibility, the Bucs have limited cap space, a new rookie that looks set to play the WR3 role perfectly, and a coach that likes the way the roster is currently constructed. Bruce Arians has shown no sign that Brown interests him, and one has to think that BA would have acted on this months ago if it was truly a realistic option.
In addition to the match being faulty at face value, Antonio Brown still has some steps to take before he is even allowed to play in the league again.
Between these two circumstances, it seems as though the Bucs have no shot of signing Brown, even though they would benefit from his addition.
Taking the best wide receiver corps in the NFL and adding Brown into the mix is the furthest thing from hurting the roster. Brown would immediately be one of the team’s most talented players, and he would be yet another top-tier option for Brady.
The players on the roster are already great, but bringing one of the best receivers ever to an already-stacked group has few drawbacks, even if the team would fear any outbursts. The presence of Tom Brady and Bruce Arians would reduce the threat of these being a massive problem, though.
While it seems like a great idea to muse about, the most likely place that Brown will be a Buccaneer is on Madden, but people should still dream anyway.