NFL News & Analysis

BREAKING: Patriots release Antonio Brown

The Antonio Brown Era on New England has come to an abrupt close.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots released Brown on Friday. The 31-year-old wideout caught four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown en route to an 86.9 single-game receiving grade in his one game with the Pats.

Only Julio JonesMichael Thomas and DeAndre Hopkins have earned a higher three-year receiving grade over the past three seasons (2016-18) than Brown (91.5). Among the 119 NFL receivers with 600 or more routes run in the same three-year span, Brown ranks fifth with an average of 2.37 yards per route run.

AB leaves New England with Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett as the team's three primary receivers. Edelman leads the team in targets (14) and receptions 10). He and Dorsett share the team lead in receiving yards (134).

Final Takeaways

There's no questioning AB is an elite receiving talent on the field. The problem is he can't manage to stay on the field, let alone a roster. The Pats' passing game takes a hit with Brown's release, but it's not anything Bill Belichick, Tom Brady & Co. can't overcome.

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