Did Antonio Brown end rumors of signing with NFC West rivals?

LA Rams News: Wide receiver Antonio Brown suggests he won’t be playing for an NFC West rival in 2020

The LA Rams may be breathing a big sigh of relief today. Wide receiver Antonio Brown appears to have ended speculation of signing on with one of the Rams’ NFC West rival teams this season. Just a week after tweeting that he was preparing for a new NFL season, the oft-controversial former NFL great indicated in his latest twitter message that the risks of playing football this year exceed the rewards. And so, his efforts for an NFL comeback seem to have ended before they ever began.

The NFL career of wide receiver Antonio Brown has witnessed some of the highest highs. But it has also witnessed some of the lowest lows. It has been the latest round of lows that have driven Brown out of the NFL for now. In 2019, he was traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Las Vegas Raiders. But his temperament and an altercation with general manager Mike Mayock resulted in his dismissal from the team. He signed on with the New England Patriots and actually played in one game before allegations surfaced and he was released once more.

Better luck next season

When he is on the football field and focused, he remains a dangerous player. That is why rumors of his signing on with the San Francisco 49ers or Seattle Seahawks raised concerns earlier this year. But as some indicated, It is very difficult to keep his focus and presence on the football field.

Both the Seahawks and 49ers could have benefitted from a focused Brown. While he projects no more than a shadow of his former self, he would easily be ranked as a WR2 or WR3 on either team. And if he was able to stay the course, he would push hard for the WR1 role. His talent is not the problem. He is still very talented.

The challenge for any NFL team signing up Antonio Brown is how to handle all the off-field distractions as well. NFL teams require trust among players and coaches. That means showing up to play and playing to your potential.  If either the 49ers or Seahawks could ensure Brown remained focused, they would be a better team by adding him. Has he pulled the plug on playing in the NFL this season? For now, it seems so. But that could change tomorrow.