Not too long after Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown dramatically stormed off the football field during what became a comeback victory at the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon, Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians told reporters Brown "is no longer a Buc."
That, however, isn't entirely accurate as of Monday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Buccaneers did not officially release Brown on the first day of the midweek:
Bucs did not officially release WR Antonio Brown on today’s wire, per source. There are ongoing discussions with the NFL about how to move ahead in this situation.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2022
As Michael David Smith explained for Pro Football Talk, it's possible the Buccaneers are looking into whether or not they can legally suspend Brown, which would make him unavailable to join any other team ahead of or during the playoffs. Then again, perhaps quarterback Tom Brady is trying to convince Arians to give a favorite target one more chance.
Brown would be subject to waivers if he's cut and, thus, could choose his next employer only if the other 31 NFL clubs let him pass through into free agency. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection has shown he can still contribute for a Super Bowl contender when healthy, but it's unknown if any team will add him to its locker room for the postseason tournament considering his many off-the-field issues and also a lingering ankle injury Brown reportedly claimed is still affecting him in early January.
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