News came down yesterday that my once favorite player Antonio Brown has only received probation for his January incident with the mother of his children and Florida police. 2 years probation to be exact. In this deal Brown avoids significant jail time and can effectively go on to play if a team decides to sign him. The question is though; is AB worth a late round stash pick in this years fantasy draft?
Brown burned a lot of bridges in the NFL last season and at the same time burned fantasy owners dreams of a championship. Most people taking him in the early to late second round had their roster implode when he was ultimately cut by the Patriots ending his season before it even got started. Released by New England due to allegations of sexual assault Brown has not found a team willing to take a chance on him since. Rumors swirled that he would join New Orleans in time for the playoffs, but that never materialized. Others have speculated he will eventually join 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson and friends down in Baltimore, but that seems to be more smoke than fire. With the NFL still investigating Brown’s sexual assault accusation, some feel he will never touch the field again.
At the end of the day Antonio Brown is one of the most dynamic wide receivers to ever play the game. His character issues are obvious and concerning, but rarely has that really stopped an NFL team from signing a player that could contribute. It’s my opinion that AB is not being signed purely because of his possible sexual assault crimes, it is because of his mental health issues. Teams are scared off by his erratic behavior. Fighting with the mother of his children on Instagram live, calling out Ben Roethlisberger’s own sexual assault allegations and other former teammates, becoming a terrible rapper, and most importantly his straight up lack of respect for his teammates in Oakland. Forcing his way out of the same place he forced his way into after an off season full of drama. All of these thing are scaring teams away. And rightfully so.
In this years draft the wide receiver talent is as available as ice in Antarctica. That shit is everywhere. So some may argue that burning a late round pick on a 31 year old possibly washed up receiver would be a stupid move. Regardless of how you feel about the man personally, you can’t deny his talent. Brown has already showed signs he may be coming out of this phase already apologizing to former teammates and vowing to get serious about his future. These are just words however and his completion of a court mandated anger management program will be the work he has to do to prove he is serious.
If Brown falls in your draft into the final few rounds, you must draft him. There is no debate. If the former number one receiver turns it around and gets signed by a time he could be the most valuable player in fantasy football history. He could arguably be a stable flex with high WR2 upside, and getting that in the final few rounds is how fantasy titles are won my friends. Don’t be afraid to take a flyer on the once great player. I know I won’t.