Ron Rivera avoids question about potential interest in Antonio Brown

Ron Rivera avoided giving a definitive response Wednesday when asked whether the Washington Redskins have any interest in signing Antonio Brown.

The question arose due to video that recently surfaced of quarterback Dwayne Haskins working out with the unemployed wide receiver. Rivera declined to provide a yes or no answer to the inquiry, instead pivoting to a response about how he needs to evaluate the wide receivers currently on the team’s roster.

Ron Rivera didn't say yes or no when asked about possibly signing Antonio Brown, who recently worked out with Dwayne Haskins. Rivera emphasized he wants to evaluate his young receivers in person. He also added: "I know who Antonio Brown is, and he's a great player."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) June 10, 2020

The workout footage in question surfaced in late May and featured Haskins throwing deep passes to Brown.

Dwayne Haskins throwing bombs to Antonio Brown today. So many eyeball emojis pic.twitter.com/fA3ow1U0us

— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) May 27, 2020

Whether or not Washington has any legitimate interest in Brown notwithstanding, there is no question that the team has a dearth of experience at the wide receiver position.

Entering the 2020 season, Washington’s wide receiver corps is headed by Cody Latimer and Terry McLaurin. Young wideouts Steven Sims Jr., Trey Quinn and Kelvin Harmon fill out the depth chart, with Antonio Gandy-Golden joining the fray after Washington spent a fourth-round pick on the receiver out of Liberty.

As far as Brown is concerned, years of mercurial behavior has stalled the career of arguably one of the most talented receivers in the NFL.

Brown’s most recent employment lasted a mere 11 days last September after the New England Patriots signed him to a one-year deal once the Oakland Raiders cut him loose. The Patriots quickly released Brown after two women accused Brown of sexual misconduct.

Brown’s enigmatic and occasionally self-destructive acts throughout his unemployment have made him almost untouchable, especially given a suspension is expected once the NFL completes its protracted investigation into the wide receiver.

While Brown has begun to express remorse for his actions, it remains unlikely Washington or any other NFL team will consider signing him at this point or any time in the near future.