After several weeks of seemingly never-ending drama, the Oakland Raiders have officially released All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown.
The team announced Brown’s release on Saturday morning, just hours after he posted the following video to his YouTube account:
Brown formally requested his release via a post on Instagram on Saturday morning and the Raiders quickly obliged.
It has been widely reported that the Raiders knew they would be able to void and/or recoup over $30 million in guaranteed money from the contract extension Brown signed after being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brown asking for his release was likely an acknowledgement on his end that he would not be receiving any of the guaranteed money in his $64 million contract.
“By fining Antonio Brown $215,073.53 last night for conduct detrimental to the team on Sept. 4, the Raiders voided the $29.125 million worth of guaranteed money in his deal, per league sources.”
Adam Schefter, via Twitter
Unfortunately for NFL fans, the Antonio Brown saga is far from over. The 31-year old playmaker has every intention of playing in 2019, so the next story will revolve around where he will continue his Hall of Fame career.
The New England Patriots are a team that has already been popping up, but that scenario will require Brown being willing to both check his ego at the door, and play for far less than his market value.
Other teams to watch are the San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals.
Regardless of where Brown ends up, he has undoubtedly tarnished his reputation and standing among the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Furthermore, this all makes the Pittsburgh Steelers look geniuses for cutting ties with a player of his undeniable ability last offseason.
Update: Brown has reportedly agreed to sign with the Patriots.
