It sounds like Antonio Brown will indeed be playing for the Patriots tomorrow. Michael Giardi of the NFL Network tweets that the star wide receiver is making the trip to Miami.
Michael Lombardi of The Athletic adds (via Twitter) that the organization doesn’t “bring players as a guest,” an indication that Brown will be active. Meanwhile, Jeff Howe of the Athletic notes (on Twitter) that AB had a “strong” first week of practice with the team, and it’d be surprising if he didn’t suit up for tomorrow’s contest against the Dolphins.
Considering AB’s lack of practice time and the fallout from his civil lawsuit, there were question marks if the receiver would actually take the field. Now, it sounds like he’ll be joining a talented receiver corps that already includes Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon, and Phillip Dorsett.
Here are some more notes from around the AFC East:
- Following the rape and sexual assault allegations, helmet manufacturer Xenith announced that they’ve ended their relationship with Brown. “We look forward to seeing the Xenith Shadow worn by football athletes at all levels of play this fall,” the brand said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter). Following Brown’s public feud with the NFL over his use of an ineligible helmet, it was notable when the receiver landed on an alternative option. Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com writes that it’s uncertain whether Xenith ended the relationship due to the allegations or Brown’s decision to use a different helmet.
- Following the trade request from Dolphins cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston writes that the Patriots should go after the former first-rounder. Perry notes that Fitzpatrick offers many of the skills that the Patriots seek from defensive backs, and he points to recent trades with the Jets and Bills as reasons why New England wouldn’t be afraid of trading within the division.
- Speaking of trade requests, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets that the Dolphins are aware of “another specific veteran player’s unhappiness and his preference to go elsewhere.” However, that veteran player has been “disinclined to discuss this publicly.” Head coach Brian Flores said he wasn’t aware of any trade requests besides Fitzpatrick’s.
- With Trevor Siemian thrust into the Jets‘ starting quarterback role, ESPN’s Dan Graziano tweets an interesting detail on the veteran’s contract. If Siemian plays at least 50-percent of the Jets’ offensive snaps in a win, he’ll earn more than $31K. However, if he plays more than 50-percent of the snaps and the Jets lose, he doesn’t receive the incentive bonus.
Why would the Patriots be afraid to trade within the division anyway , the other teams aren’t going to do anything to win like they have the last 20 years. The entire organizations in that division are run like a 3 ring circus.
If only the rest of the NFL cheated the way the Patriots do…
Hey, One Trick Pony: Get over it.
What a moron. Just google your team cheats and see what other teams have done…
Squealers fan I’m thinking.
Still on that cheating thing ? That was 4 Superbowls and 3 rings ago. But it’s cool, you keep using that cheating thing to make yourself feel better about your team.
Hey Gronk! You should worry about getting checked for AIDS
and not how your old team is doing without your retired ass!
Wanna bet that next offseason the Fins will be called the ‘winners’ because of all those drafts picks? Yet still won’t be favored to win more than 7-8 games next season.
If all this negative PR ends up giving Antonio Brown a chip on his shoulder but also a reality check and he finally matures with the Patriots this season then the rest of the league could be in serious trouble.
Who cares IF he matures. Please explain how it’s it’s affected his performance on the field over NINE years?? Numbers don’t lie
Numbers don’t lie, but it would help the clubhouse be calmer and more focused.