NFL Rumors: Oakland Raiders Considered Possibility Of Sitting Antonio Brown For Entire 2019 Season

The 2019 NFL regular season is quickly approaching, but the Antonio Brown Helmet Saga might be far from over. The wide receiver has filed a second grievance against the NFL, according to multiple reports, as he looks to wear a helmet that’s been banned by the league.

Brown lost a grievance to the NFL last week when it was determined that he wouldn’t be allowed to wear his Schutt Air Advantage helmet. The new grievance argues that Brown should have a one-year grace period to replace the helmet. Other players were given such a one-year window last season, but the NFL and the NFL Players Association got rid of the grace period following the 2018 season.

Brown’s fight with the NFL has kept him from making his debut with the Oakland Raiders. The seven-time Pro Bowler has been in and out of training camp, refusing to play without his desired helmet.

Amid rumors that Raiders’ players and members of the front office have had enough of Brown’s antics, general manager Mike Mayock issued what appeared to be an unofficial ultimatum to the veteran, saying in a statement, “it’s time for him to be all-in or all-out.” Mayock talked to reporters Sunday when Brown was absent from practice, and the team might have been prepared to send Brown an official ultimatum if he stayed home any longer.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “Get Up!” Tuesday morning that he believes the Raiders were considering sending Brown a “five-day letter,” which would’ve given him five days to either report to camp or be put on a reserve list. Landing on the list would’ve cost Brown the entire 2019 season and made Oakland exempt from having to pay his salary.

Brown was at practice Monday.

If he plays this season, Brown is set to earn a $14.5 million base salary. The Raiders gave Brown a three-year, $50 million contract extension when they acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers this past offseason. The deal included over $30 million guaranteed.

Brown has been the NFL’s most productive receiver this decade. He has totaled over 1,100 yards seven times, including six straight seasons with at least 100 catches, 1,284 yards and eight touchdowns.

It hasn’t taken long for the Raiders to learn why the Steelers traded the star for a third-round and fifth-round draft pick.