Could Antonio Brown possibly sign with the Detroit Lions?

The Detroit Lions have been looking to add to their wide receiver corps. Would they consider signing Antonio Brown and all the drama he potentially brings?

Detroit Lions‘ head coach Matt Patrica does not appear to be someone who would tolerate a diva attitude from his players. Yet, his mentor, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has had success with players others have abandoned. Could this open the door for someone like Antonio Brown to walk through in the Motor City?

The Lions’ wide receiver certainly could use a boost of talent. Although Detroit has a solid starting three in the up-and-coming Kenny Golladay, veteran Marvin Jones, and former Patriot star Danny Amendola in the slot.

But a preseason leg injury suffered by Jermaine Kearse severely damaged the Lions depth at the position this summer. Beyond their starting trio, Detroit has second-year wideout Chris Lacy and rookie Travis Fulgham. Neither backup has recorded a regular-season catch.

Due to that lack of experience, the Lions have been on the lookout for some receiver help. Earlier this week it was reported that Detroit worked out former first-round selection Laquon Treadwell, previously of the Minnesota Vikings. Instead of signing him, the Lions added former Atlanta Falcons receiver Marvin Hall to their practice squad.

So we know the Lions are in need of some wide receiver help. But would they be willing to sign someone like Antonio Brown? Just released by the Oakland Raiders two days before the start of their season and after a drama-filled summer, Brown is suddenly looking for a new home.

The 31-year old is still considered one of the best, if not the best wide receiver in the NFL and a future Hall of Famer. Even through all the discord with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, Brown was still able to record 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns in 2018. So, no one is doubting his talent, which is abundant. And it’s the only reason to put up with the potential baggage he brings.

Yet, after the tenth-year receiver’s recent blowouts with both the Steelers and the Raiders, you’d have to believe his options would be limited. But you’d also have to believe one of those potential landing spots is the Patriots, who have had success turning troubled players into potential Super Bowl contributors.

Although it would seem counter to the winning culture the Lions are trying so desperately to build in Detroit under Patricia, if the second-year head coach believes he can succeed like his mentor has, perhaps a signing makes sense despite the onslaught of drama.

Again, Detroit could certainly use the talent boost, although the constant headlines combined with his past issues should give every franchise pause as Brown’s presence would instantly introduce an ongoing distraction into any locker room.

The questions really is: What NFL team is desperate enough to sign someone like Antonio Brown? After posting a 6-10 season last year, dead last in their division, I’d still be surprised if that answer is the Detroit Lions. But stranger things have happened.