The Patriots’ offense is scuffling and Tom Brady is unhappy. How desperate are they?
One possible solution being floated around NFL circles is bringing back embattled star wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Brown, currently under investigation by the NFL and facing a sexual assault lawsuit, recently apologized to New England owner Robert Kraft for comments made following his September release after just one game with the Patriots. That Instagram mea culpa was liked by Brady and other significant Patriots players.
That has led to some speculation he could make a return to aid Brady’s sagging offense.
“If I’m in there with the New England Patriots and the NFL says he’s cleared to play and he’s ready to go… I think you got to kick the tires,” former Patriots linebacker and NFL analyst Tedy Bruschi told WEEI’s “OMF” on Wednesday.
Christian Fauria, an ex-Patriot and current WEEI radio host, took it a step further on Thursday.
“I think they have kicked the tires,” he said. “I know there have been discussions. That’s for sure”
Brown met with the NFL last week as their months-long investigation seemingly is nearing a conclusion. Any chance the Patriots sign Brown would be dependent on the NFL’s decision.
Brown filed a countersuit on Wednesday against Britney Taylor, who is accusing the longtime Steelers star of rape and sexual assault.
Brown, who has filed grievances against New England and the Oakland Raiders to recoup $40 million in salary, contract guarantees and fines, has pushed a Patriots reunion in the past.
“If you guys follow the Patriots, tell them to call me,” Brown said in an Instagram post in October. “They still gotta pay me, so might as well let me earn it.”