Report: Bucs want Antonio Brown back in 2021

The Buccaneers want Brown back next season. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Buccaneers want Antonio Brown back for 2021 season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/24/21

Tom Brady pushed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to sign Antonio Brown. It appears he might be encouraging the franchise to bring him back for the 2021 campaign.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Buccaneers want Brown back next season. He doesn't indicate whether Brady has played a role in the team's interest in retaining brown.

From @NFLGameDay: Injury updates on #Chiefs stars RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Le’Veon Bell, and WR Sammy Watkins… plus while Antonio Brown is out today, the #Bucs do want him back for 2021, sources say. pic.twitter.com/PbtoRBfHu6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2021

Brown served an eight-game suspension earlier this season after violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in October, but wasn't eligible to play until Week 9 due to his suspension.

The 32-year-old is currently battling a knee injury and won't play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

In eight games this season, Brown had 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns. He instantly became one of Brady's top targets alongside Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Rob Gronkowski.

It's unclear if Brown will want to return to the Bucs, but it seems likely given his relationship with Brady.

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