The Buccaneers Finally Decide on Antonio Brown’s Future
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have strung together an impressive offseason by retaining all their key players in free agency. The plethora of moves has only further cemented their chances of contending for another Super Bowl. The Buccaneers have now finally decided on star wide receiver Antonio Brown’s fate ahead of the 2021 season.
Antonio Brown returns to the NFL with the Buccaneers
After nearly a year away from the NFL, Antonio Brown received his chance to resume his career with the Buccaneers.
His tenure began with serving an eight-game suspension to start the 2020 campaign, but he quickly made a strong impact once he returned to action. Brown tallied 45 catches on 61 targets for 483 receiving yards and four touchdowns in eight regular-season games.
The 32-year-old recorded five performances with at least five receptions while topping more than 50 receiving yards four times. Brown capped off the regular season in the Week 17 win over the Atlanta Falcons with 11 receptions for 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
He also led the team in receiving targets over the last five regular-season games along with not recording a single drop. Brown didn’t put forth strong production in the playoffs, but he stepped up when it mattered.
He recorded five catches for 22 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl 55 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. With all that in mind, the Buccaneers have now finally decided on Brown’s future with the franchise.
The Buccaneers finally decide on Antonio Brown’s future
The Buccaneers have moved nearly the first two months of the offseason, with Antonio Brown firmly on their radar.
Brown remained in the mix as the team took care of business first with keeping the rest of their big-name free agents. All that didn’t deter them from working out a deal to retain the star wide receiver, at least through the 2021 campaign.
According to Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network, Brown agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6.25 million with $3.1 million guaranteed. The contract also includes a $2 million signing bonus.
His deal is a prove-it situation that could lead to a massive payday ahead next offseason. Brown will have every opportunity to shine next season in a significant role in the passing game.
The sheer volume of targets may not rival what he received during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he will have the chance to put up a highly productive campaign.
Tampa Bay geared up for another Super Bowl push
The Buccaneers’ ability to retain Brown keeps another proven factor in the mix to strengthen their Super Bowl push.
Tampa Bay remarkably kept all their top talent in free agency, which presents a golden opportunity ahead. Like Brown, the rest of the offense will have the chance to further jell together through a complete offseason.
Tom Brady may be on the mend after his knee surgery, but he will have a sizable chunk of time to get further acclimated with his teammates and the offense. His increased comfort level in his second year in Tampa Bay should only benefit his teammates around him.
Offensive talents such as Brown, Rob Gronkowski, and Leonard Fournette could very well string together even more productive seasons in 2021. Ultimately, the focus will remain on the Buccaneers staying healthy as it may be the only deterrent to them making a deep playoff push.
