It's not surprising that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is working out with Marquise "Hollywood" Brown this offseason. What has created a buzz is Jackson tossing passes to his top wide receiver's famous cousin.
Antonio Brown, a free-agent wide receiver, caught a 50-yard pass from the reigning NFL MVP on a dead sprint in a video posted on Jackson's Instagram account Wednesday. There also was a photo on Twitter, showing Jackson with his arms draped around Antonio and Marquise Brown. The workout took place in South Florida.
This social media connection will cause many to speculate that Antonio Brown is joining Baltimore. But the Ravens haven't gotten involved in the free-agent market for wide receivers because it's believed they feel the NFL draft is the best way to improve that position group this offseason.
We Activated 🔋 pic.twitter.com/MtnGXKcPwv
— Hollywood Brown (@Primetime_jet) April 1, 2020
Antonio Brown, 31, hasn't played in an NFL game since the New England Patriots released him after a Week 2 victory in Miami in September. The seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is being investigated by the NFL under its personal conduct policy following a lawsuit filed by his former trainer, Britney Taylor, that alleges she was sexually assaulted by Brown on multiple occasions.
Brown also faces charges of felony burglary with battery, burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and criminal mischief stemming from a Jan. 21 incident with a moving truck driver at his residence in Hollywood, Florida.
The Ravens are expected to upgrade their wide receiver group in the draft; they have nine picks, including five in the first three rounds. In Baltimore's run-heavy offense, its wide receivers totaled 115 catches last season, which were 22 fewer than any other team in the NFL. The Ravens' top returning receivers are Marquise Brown, Willie Snead, Miles Boykin, Chris Moore, Jaleel Scott and De'Anthony Thomas.
It's unknown how many more times Jackson will hold these workouts. In an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a statewide stay-at-home order, which will last for 30 days starting Thursday at midnight.