Report: Buccaneers unlikely to add Antonio Brown

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unlikely to sign free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Brown was linked to the Buccaneers after Tom Brady, who he was teammates with on the New England Patriots, reportedly agreed in principal to a deal with Tampa. Teams pursuing Brady reportedly believed the quarterback wanted to bring Brown with him wherever he signed.

Brown, a Florida resident, appeared to develop a strong relationship with Brady in the short time they shared a locker room. The 31-year-old wideout has tweeted occasionally about wanting to play with Brady again since being released by the Patriots.

Brown's been involved in several off-field incidents since the Pittsburgh Steelers granted his trade request one year ago. His status is still being reviewed by the NFL following separate allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct that were brought forth last season.

Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians worked with Brown for two seasons when he was the Steelers' offensive coordinator. Last offseason, Arians suggested Brown had turned into a "diva."

Brown had 1,297 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns through the air in 2018 when he played for the Steelers. His hypothetical addition to the Bucs would give Tampa a three-headed monster at wide receiver consisting of Brown, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin.