I’m hoping Gordon gets it together hate the diva brown
As we are learning from this thread, it's because "guarantees" in NFL contracts are not really guarantees. Based on calderone's post above, the $9 million that the Patriots supposedly guaranteed him can be cancelled if he violates any norms related to player conduct.
). 
When the Pats had another problem receiver--Randy Moss--they were nearly unbeatable. This is a huge move for Belichick et al.
FWIW, Brown's agent sure he will be a model citizen.
Agent: AB ready to 'fit in, work hard' for Belichick
"I'll just tell you that the Patriots are obviously a very solid, strong organization," said Rosenhaus, who also represented now-retired Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. "They do things the Patriots Way. They expect everyone to be accountable. They don't make any exceptions. I've discussed this with Antonio. And he wants to be a Patriot. He's prepared to go there, fit in, work hard, be like every other player on the team, do what's asked of him, do his job and make it work. He's honored with the opportunity and he's looking forward to taking advantage of it."
I think one reason that the Pats went after him so quickly is because they were an interested team when the Steelers first decided to put him on the trading block. But the Steelers had a list of teams that they would not trade him to. The Pats were on that list.Actually, the $9 mill is Brown's to keep. Signing bonuses are paid up front, so it's his money the moment he signed for the Pats. Guaranteed money in this case is actually guaranteed.
NFL 101-Salaries and Bonuses
He theoretically lost about $14 million this year by having the Raider contract voided. He can make up for that with a more lucrative one when he hits free agency next year. The big if of course, is if it works out in New England (a long shot, I know
I don't get why the Pats went for him either but it's not going to cost them any draft picks and there aren't any salary cap implications AFAIK so apparently Belichick thinks the risk is acceptable. It does make rooting against that team a whole lot easier, no?
It was reported he hired a social media consultant to help him disconnect from the Raiders. I’m guessing that was not Bill Belichick
Here's the way some conspiracy ideas go.
Well, on paper it would appear unlikely that BOTH Josh Gordon and AB make it a whole season in New England without something blowing up. Many alternate universes here. I’m going with the one where they’re both good Boy Scouts, the Patriots set all kinds of records on their way to an undefeated season and 7th Super Bowl win, and Belichick is heralded as the all-time greatest coach and salvager of uber-talented misfits & outcasts.
Drew knew NE would LIKELY be receptive, since they were very interested when he left Pittsburgh. But what indication is that anyone associated with the Pats did or said ANYTHING that would be considered tampering relative to AB leaving Oakland?
) but I am only stating an opinion based on a healthy cynicism of the agent profession.
