Antonio Brown status update 10/12, 11:56 a.m.

Antonio Brown remains a free agent while the NFL investigates multiple sexual assault accusations against him. However, there is a belief that Brown’s playing status will be, “cleared up in the next few weeks,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

If he is cleared by the league to play, there is little doubt that an NFL team will sign him in a hurry. Professional sports teams in general, and NFL teams in particular, have made it clear that the only reason they won’t sign a player is that player will not be available for an extended period of time for legal reasons. And even then, some will roll the dice.

For fantasy purposes, there is still no reason to sign him because I strongly believe some form of discipline will be coming along for Brown when the NFL wraps up its investigation. That being said, the NFL has proven itself consistently inconsistent in their handling of off-field allegations, so it’s all a roll of the dice.

Free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown filed a grievance against the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders to gain back money the teams claimed he forfeited through his conduct. On Wednesday, Brown made the Patriots an offer. In an Instagram video, he said that since they’re going to have to pay him at some point, “[t]hey might as well let me earn it.”

Brown still wants to play, but finds himself in a significant mess. He is facing multiple sexual assault accusations, and owner Robert Kraft decided it was time to release him. This came after he had forced his way out of Oakland shortly before the season started and signed with New England.

He missed Week 1, but in Week 2 he had four catches for 56 yards and a touchdown. That turned out to be the only game he would play in for the Patriots as he was subsequently released a few days later.

Should I release Antonio Brown in fantasy football?

Yes, yes you should release Antonio Brown. There is always a chance he signs somewhere, but he is currently involved in an NFL investigation into the various accusations he faces. The NFL process can take some time, and odds seem pretty decent he faces a suspension or move to the Commissioner’s Exempt List in the near future.

If he’s on your roster, you’re unlikely to get any significant compensation in a trade. If you can find someone in your league actually willing to trade for him, by all means do it. If not, just release him and clear the roster spot.