SAINTS DOING ‘DUE DILIGENCE’ WITH BROWN
Prolific but embattled free agent receiver Antonio Brown got his chance to show the New Orleans Saints how he could help them in the playoffs.
Whether Brown winds up catching passes from record-setting quarterback Drew Brees during a potential Super Bowl run remains to be seen. And the NFL could have a say in the matter — if the Saints decide to sign him.
While Saints coach Sean Payton did not rule out signing Brown, he said there were no immediate plans to do so after including the four-time All-pro in a workout with six receivers on Friday.
“Not now,” Payton said, adding that coaches and the front office are “mainly doing our due diligence on all of those players. Obviously there’s a little bit more attention drawn to him because of his career. But right now it was more or less us having a chance to get to know these guys and seeing what kind of shape they’re all in.”
Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press that Brown’s “visit with the Saints went very well and we will continue discussions with them.”
Brown also could be seen smiling widely in a photo, posted on social media, with New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson. The Saints and NBA’S Pelicans are both owned by Gayle Benson and their practice headquarters are on the same campus. Saints receiver Ted Ginn Jr. said he was among Saints players who met Brown as well.
Brown has been out of the NFL since the New England Patriots cut him Sept. 20 amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations which have spawned an ongoing league investigation of the receiver.
Payton had indicated on multiple occasions earlier this season that the Saints were not interested in signing Brown.
“I probably wasn’t telling you the truth a few months ago,” Payton said. “We’re looking closely all the time at who are the players available, how can they help us, especially as we get ready here for this postseason.”
During NFL meetings earlier this month, Commissioner Roger Goodell said he had not yet met with Brown and that the investigation was not complete. Goodell further specified that league investigators met with Brown but “have more work to do.”
Payton said after the workout he remained uncertain whether Brown would ultimately be eligible to play in the postseason.
Falcons keep Quinn
The Atlanta Falcons are keeping coach Dan Quinn for another season despite a second straight losing record.
The team also announced that General Manager Thomas Dimitroff will remain in his current role.
Owner Arthur Blank made the decision two days before the Falcons (6-9) close the season with a game at Tampa Bay.
The Falcons will go through an organizational restructuring, restoring team President and CEO Rich Mckay to a bigger role in the football operations.
In addition, the Falcons announced that former Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris will take over from Quinn as defensive coordinator.
Notable
Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has been ruled out of Sunday’s NFC East-deciding matchup against the Giants. Ertz hasn’t practiced this week after suffering a fractured rib and a back injury against the Cowboys on Sunday.