Antonio Brown signs with Patriots hours after release from Raiders

All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown will join the Patriots on a one-year deal for the 2019 season, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN. The signing comes hours after Brown’s release from the Raiders culminated a tumultuous offseason between the two sides.

Brown’s deal in New England will be worth up to $15 million, including a $9 million signing bonus.

Brown, one of the league’s elite playmakers, didn’t last long on the open market after parting ways with the Raiders. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro receiver who’s put up some of the gaudiest receiving stats in league history, so it’s no surprise the Patriots were willing to take a risk on partnering him with Tom Brady.

The Raiders, on the other hand, gave up quickly on Brown once their relationship with the receiver deteriorated in recent weeks. The team finally bailed by releasing the receiver Saturday.

Now just one day before the start of the 2019 season, Bill Belichick adds Brown to a passing game that already includes Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon at wide receiver. An offense that was already going to be dangerous led by Brady just got even scarier.