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It can seem like 2020 has turned the whole world on its head. For sports fans, the NFL’s decision to push forward with its season came as an incredibly welcome reprieve. Now, there’s, even more, to look forward to in Week 9.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, wide receiver Antonio Brown just signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers. That means he’ll be joining football star Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Brew up some Yellow Vietnam Kratom tea and get ready to enjoy some much-needed distraction. Although the agreement’s language is still being finalized, Brown’s return to the NFL is all but a sure thing.
Want to find out more about what to expect? Read on to get the full scoop.
Background Information
Antonio Brown was suspended from play for eight games before the start of the 2020 football season. NFL officials cited multiple off-field incidents that violated the league’s conduct policies. The 32-year-old wide receiver was also sentenced to two years of probation last June. This unfortunate news stemmed from an alleged assault that occurred in South Florida. Brown pleaded no contest to the charges.
This former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver played just one game with the New England Patriots last year. He was traded to the Oakland Raiders before last year’s season but never played a regular-season game. From there, he signed on with the New England Patriots but only played one game. During his brief stint with the Patriots, Brown, and Brady combined forces to keep fans seriously entertained.
The Deal
Brown’s one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Bucs stipulates pay only just above the league’s minimum of $1.05 million. This opportunity will give the wide receiver a chance to prove himself again. He’ll have the chance to increase his earnings based on individual and team incentives. Next year, assuming Brown continues to perform as well as he has in the past, he’ll be able to renegotiate a new deal for greater pay.
Where Is He Now?
Brown has already entered the NFL COVID-19 protocol. This new protocol was put into place in early October to help mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus among players. So far, the NFL has kept its positive tests relatively low. The league has implemented new rules that require social distancing and place additional travel restrictions on players.
Brown is expected to comply with these rules, which are 100% mandatory. He’ll join other wide receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Scotty Miller when the Buccaneers play the New Orleans Saints in Week 9.
Why the Hype?
Tampa Bay’s wide receiver group falls somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of both yards per attempt and passing yards. Brown should be a welcome addition. He ranks second in the league in receptions, with a total of 841. That’s although he has played only one game in the past two seasons.
Brown is also second in receiving yards and third in touchdowns within the same period. He’s got 11,263 receiving yards under his belt and an impressive 75 touchdowns. That’s good news for the Buccaneers.
The wide receiver’s admittedly impressive former performance isn’t the only thing that has fans talking. Fans of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady are glad to see him joined on the field by one of his former teammates. Fans of the Steelers are also excited to see Brown back at work with Bruce Arians. Arians were the offensive coordinator for the Steelers for two of Brown’s first seasons. He’s also the current head coach for the Buccaneers.
What to Expect
It’s hard to say how Brown will play after many months off the field. If his recent performance is to be taken as an indication of what’s in store, he’ll do quite well. Here’s why:
• Brown led the NFL in touchdowns during his last full season in 2018.
• He also recorded six consecutive seasons with 100-catch and 1,000-yard performances.
• The Buccaneers are currently leading the NFC South.
Adding this former all-pro player may be what Tampa Bay needs to propel itself to a Super Bowl win this year. If they make the Super Bowl, rest assured that Brown and Brady together will make it a game to be remembered. Check the Tampa Bay Bucs 2020 schedule to catch every game leading up to it.
A Change in Tune
As recently as last March, it was inconceivable that Brown would be signed to the Buccaneers. Head coach Bruce Arians were clear about that fact. He told Tiki & Tierney to show that “it’s not gonna happen.” He cited the fact that there were no appropriate openings on the team and went further to say that Brown was “not a good fit in our locker room.”
As 2020 has proven to just about everyone, things can change quickly. That seems to be the case with Arians’ mindset. There’s more to it than just the passage of time.
Within six weeks of starting the 2020 season, Mike Evans is injured. Chris Godwin has played only three games and experts are concerned about the potential for re-aggravating his hamstring injury. O.J. Howard is done for the season after a ruptured Achilles tendon. Scotty Miller suffered a groin injury that put a quick stop to his initially stellar performance. There’s no denying it: Tampa Bay now has plenty of room for Brown.
A Changed Man?
Fans of the Buccaneers, Brown, and football more generally are certainly hoping Brown has changed his errant ways. No one wants to see him suspended from play for a second time this year. While it’s worth hoping that Brown has learned from his experiences, let’s hope he hasn’t lost his touch.
What to Expect Against the Saints
Like the Buccaneers, the New Orleans Saints have suffered their share of losses this season. They’ve been playing without Michael Thomas for most of the year. Now, they’re also missing Emmanuel Sanders.
The Saints will have to face the Carolina Panthers, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants before going toe-to-toe against the Buccaneers. How they handle these games will give fans a good idea of what to expect in Week 9. With Brady, Gronkowski, and now Brown playing for the Bucs, the Saints will have their work cut out for them.
Week 9 is a big deal for the Buccaneers, and not just because Brown will finally get his chance to shine. It’s also the best chance for Tampa Bay to prove itself as the best NFC South team. Don’t miss the big event.
Did Tom Brady Get Signed to the Buccaneers?
Antonio Brown isn’t the only recent addition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady beat him to it much earlier in the year. After an already impressive career with the New England Patriots, Brady wasn’t ready to quit, and neither is Brown.
Get Ready for an Amazing Game
Sports fans everywhere, rejoice: Week 9 is almost upon us. Make plans to watch the game with friends or get energized with some Yellow Indo Kratom tea. It’s almost time to enjoy some serious football.
