Antonio Brown released, signs with Patriots: Fantasy context
By Raju Byfield
Rizzla discusses the fantasy implications of an exciting day that saw Antonio Brown released by the Oakland Raiders, only to be signed by the New England Patriots hours later.
The Antonio Brown drama in Oakland finally came to an end this past weekend as the Raiders granted the mercurial receivers request for a release. Mere hours later he signed a one year deal worth up to $15 million ($9 million guaranteed) with the defending champion New England Patriots. Adam Schefter was the one to report the news.
The Oakland Raiders offense is now a mess. For fantasy purposes, Brown’s release will allow others to step up, but in real life, the Raiders have seen any playoff aspirations dashed. Fining a volatile personality like Antonio Brown and using the language ‘conduct detrimental’ was done specifically so the Raiders would have an out from Brown’s contract and his guarantees down the line.
Proceeding to fine him again after his public and team apology and voiding his guaranteed money was all but destined to lead to an ugly divorce. Rookie general manager Mike Mayock has to be commended for his pure genius when constructing the language in Brown’s contract. Brown was released with zero dollars paid as he did not qualify for his signing bonus and did not have any guaranteed money until September 9th.
The Raiders, who made a surprise cut of Hard Knocks star Keelan Doss, attempted to sign the undrafted free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. According to Mike Garafolo, Jacksonville responded by giving Doss a full rookie minimum contract of $495,000. The Raiders will enter the season with Tyrell Williams, JJ Nelson and Hunter Renfrow as their top three receivers.
The New England Patriots have once again swooped in to pry one of the best talents ever at the wide receiver position from the Oakland Raiders. Antonio Brown has acted like a headcase but will be on his best behavior for an organization that does not treat its stars like stars. Antics will not be tolerated, and Brown knows that he has a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl ring this season.
The Patriots offense now has an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. Giving Tom Brady the most loaded wide receiver room in football is a recipe for success. Brady, always on a mission to prove age is just a number, should be in line for his best season since 2015. It’s true, the rich only seem to get richer.