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Report: Antonio Brown Eyeing NFL Return, Wants Off-Field Issues Resolved

Antonio Brown eyeing return to NFL

Free-agent wide receiver Antonio Brown wants to return to the field in 2019, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Saturday.

According to Fowler, Brown is looking to resolve his off-field issues and have his playing status cleared up before signing with an NFL team in the next few weeks. Brown's desire to return contrasts his sentiments in September, when he tweeted that he "will not be playing in the NFL anymore." 

Brown filed eight grievances against the Raiders and Patriots last week, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. He is seeking $39.775 million in lost salary, bonuses and guaranteed money.

Brown was released by the Patriots on Sept. 20 after the NFL launched an investigation into his alleged harassment and intimidation of a woman who accused him of sexual misconduct.

The four-time All-Pro was additionally accused on Sept. 10 of raping his former trainer Britney Taylor in May 2018. Taylor, Brown's former trainer, alleges the wide receiver sexually harassed her on three occasions, including the alleged rape last year.

The NFL has yet to interview Brown as part of its investigation, though the league expects to speak with him despite his free-agent status.

On Sept. 20, the NFL released a statement that said Brown would not be placed on the commissioner's exempt list while he is a free agent but warned, "If he is signed by a club, such placement may become appropriate at any time depending on the status of the investigation."

New England signed Brown on Sept. 7, the same day in which he was released by the Raiders. Brown's brief time in Oakland was marred by controversy, including a foot injury suffered in a cryotherapy chamber and a weeks-long helmet dispute with the NFL.

Brown told his Instagram followers on Wednesday that he wished to return to the field, adding that they should "tell the Patriots to call me."

Brown posted six consecutive 1,200-yard seasons from 2013-18. His 75 receiving touchdowns are the second-most since entering the league in 2010.