No Ring Circus: The Dynasty Impact of Antonio Brown’s Release
Another day, another turn of events in a season blemished by repeated disturbing stories about Antonio Brown. Today, the Patriots became the latest team to cut bait on Brown after he was accused of rape and sexual assault by one woman and sexual misconduct by yet another. In addition, reports have surfaced Brown sent harassing text messages to the second accuser, including a screen shot of her children.
Our job is to report on the dynasty implications when developments occur, so I’ll do my best to keep my personal opinions to a minimum. However, I will say Brown is quickly emerging as a truly selfish, unstable, entitled and possibly violent person. It’s a sad turn of events for an extremely talented individual who seemingly just doesn’t get it.
Let’s explore the players affected by Brown’s sudden release.
Antonio Brown, WR FA
If Brown gets another shot in the NFL at any point soon, Drew Rosenhaus has clearly earned his money. Brown’s career has taken an amazing turn for the worse and it seems the hole he digs just keeps getting bigger and bigger. It would take some major courage for a team to bring him in after the helmet issues, frostbite on his feet, what looks to be a refusal to practice, and these very serious sexual misconduct allegations. The most likely situation is for Brown to sit out and see what the NFL will do as they continue their own investigation.
As for Brown’s dynasty value, it’s hanging precariously by a thread. This latest turn of events will no doubt accelerate the already tanking ADP and ranking for Brown. In fact, it’s going to be a real challenge for dynasty owners to hold on to him. At this point, I’d advise keeping him on your rosters until the NFL completes its investigation. However, if you’re in a shallow league or simply want to cut him based on your own inability to root for him, I wouldn’t blame you.
Brown’s search for a Super Bowl ring may have come up empty as one of the most dynamic receivers we’ve ever seen could have just seen his career end. Time will tell, but it would be no surprise to see his illustrious tenure end with 11,263 yards, 75 touchdowns, multiple WR1 seasons and no Super Bowl ring.
Tom Brady, QB NE
Ugh. Just when Brady had the best supporting cast he’s had since the days of Randy Moss, it crumbles right before his eyes. Brady will be just fine, but it’s hard not to see this taking his numbers down a bit.
Josh Gordon, WR NE
If there are winners in this, it’s likely the current receiving corps of the Patriots. We start with Gordon, who had just 19 yards and two catches on five targets last week after posting 73 yards and a score in week one. While it’s easy to just pencil him in as an easy WR2, he’s still only received nine targets in two games. That number will clearly go up now and Gordon seems like a pretty easy choice to see an uptick in value. However, we all know just how volatile he can be. He’s a risky play, but one with a high ceiling this week and beyond.
Julian Edelman, WR NE
When Brown wasn’t in the lineup in week one, Edelman had a whopping 11 targets. Last week, he had just four. Expect the PPR slot machine to be used early and often yet again. If he stays healthy, he’s going to have a monster season without Brown and Rob Gronkowski in tow.
Phillip Dorsett, WR NE
All of a sudden, Dorsett is right back on the dynasty map. He posted four catches for 95 yards and two scores in week one, but had just three catches against the hapless Dolphins with Brown in the lineup. While he’s currently unreliable in dynasty leagues, he’s clearly a player to have on your bench to see how things develop.
N’Keal Harry, WR NE
I love this move for Harry. Had Brown blown up for the Patriots, he would have undoubtedly returned next year as well, putting a major hurdle in front of the prized rookie. With Brown out of the way, Harry just needs to get healthy and start producing.
Jakobi Meyers, WR NE
Welcome back!
Rob Gronkowski, TE FA
Without Brown, I could see him coming back even sooner. I truly believe he belongs on rosters in dynasty leagues at the moment as I remain unconvinced of his permanent departure from the game.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
