Buffalo Bills sign John Brown: Grades, reaction and more
By Nick Villano
The Buffalo Bills signed former Ravens and Cardinals wide receiver John Brown. They paid well for his services, but it could be a very nice move in the long run.
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John Brown had an interesting season with the Baltimore Ravens that ended with a whimper. For the first few weeks of the season, he looked like he was going to be the best signing of the offseason. Through Week 7, Brown had 28 catches, 558 yards and 5 touchdowns. Play that out over a full season, and Brown is a 1,000 yard receiver with 10 touchdowns. Those are star-level numbers.
The Bills looked like they were set to acquire star receiver Antonio Brown, but the former Steeler ended that talk. This was their next attempt to give Josh Allen a number one receiver. Brown and Zay Jones make a nice one-two punch for Allen, who still has a lot of work to do as a thrower.
The best part about this deal is Brown’s strength is straight away speed and Allen’s strength is that he has a cannon. During his pro day at Wyoming, he showed off with an 80-yard bomb. Now, he gets to throw to a player who averaged 17 yards per reception with Lamar Jackson at quarterback for half the season.
Contract Details
Brown looked like he could be a bargain contract again this offseason, but that’s not how it worked out for the Bills. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports Brown signed a three-year deal worth $27 million overall. Not many expected Brown to get $9 million per season, but the Bills likely thought the fit made so much sense, and they really needed a receiver who could blow the top off, and Brown is one of the best in the league in those respects.
National Reaction
The reaction to the signing is generally positive despite that $9 million annually might be a lot for a player like Brown.
John Brown to the Bills. Nice vertical threat for Josh Allen. There’s some speed in Buffalo now between Zay, Foster and Smokey.
— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) March 12, 2019
Michael Fabiano with NFL Media rightly points out that there is some serious speed in Buffalo now. They might have the fastest trio of wide receivers in the league. When Allen’s only throwing strength is his ridiculous arm, speedy wide receivers is a must.
Fans seem just as excited, as this shows. Brown’s speed has people salivating for the season to start, and for those long touchdowns. However, not everyone was happy with the move.
Bills were gunning for Antonio Brown and ended up with John Brown & Cole Beasley
— Nick Cattles (@NickCRadio) March 12, 2019
Yes, obviously Brown is not going to replicate what the Bills were going to get in Antonio Brown, but it’s hard to find a better fit for this quarterback.
B+. . WR. Buffalo Bills. JOHN BROWN
This would be an “A” signing, if it wasn’t so much money. $9 million is an overpayment for Brown, but it’s hard to find a better fit for Allen. The number one priority for the Bills this season is to get Allen right.
Brown is the player that will get open deep four to six times per game. Allen just needs to throw it up, and Brown will come down with it. He will have multiple long touchdown plays. That will build Allen’s confidence, and he won’t make as many mistakes throughout the game. This is a great signing for the Bills.