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Antonio Brown is currently serving an eight-game suspension for multiple violations of the league's personal-conduct policy and his eligibility to being allowed to play for an NFL team again is looming. Well, it looks like Brown is heading to Tampa Bay, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reported tonight that Brown and the Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a one-year deal. Language still has to be finalized, COVID protocols passed, but Brown is likely to make his Bucs’ debut in Week 9 against the Saints.
Brown is reunited with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, who he played with briefly in New England in 2019 before he was released by the Patriots due to allegations of sexual and personal misconduct levied against him, along with allegedly sending intimidating text messages to one of his accusers. Brown caught a touchdown pass from Brady against the Dolphins in Week 2 last year. It was Brown's only game played with the Patriots. Brown and Brady have always seemed to have a good relationship with each other. Brady even offered for Brown to stay at his house when he first came to New England until he found a place.
Brown will also have a reunion with Bruce Arians, as they both spent time in the Steelers' organization together from 2010-2011 before Arians was relieved from his duties as offensive coordinator. The two have not always got along, however. Arians was actually opposed to signing Brown back in March, “Yeah, it's not gonna happen. There's no room. And probably not enough money. But it's not gonna happen -- it's not a fit here. I just know him, and -- it's not a fit in our locker room. He’s too much of a diva."
Brown also posted this tweet about Arians in January of 2019.
Well, it appears that Arians and Brown have put their past issues aside and are now focused on moving forward. It should be interesting to see how it all plays out for Brown in Tampa Bay, as he looks to get on the right track and redeem his NFL career.