Report: Seahawks Did 'Due Diligence' on Antonio Brown Prior to Claiming Josh Gordon

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks claimed WR Josh Gordon on waivers Friday, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team did their “due diligence” on free agent WR Antonio Brown with quarterback Russell Wilson pushing the team to sign Brown.

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 occasioned, including the alleged rape last year.

Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told Schefter that there are “a few teams that are very interested in signing Antonio once this process is over,” but NFL teams appear to be waiting for the league’s findings before bringing in the seven-time Pro Bowler

As a result, the Seahawks are instead hoping Gordon helps them on offense. Pete Carroll called Gordon a “unique talent” on Friday. Gordon had 20 catches for 287 yards and a touchdown in six games with the Patriots this season.

Gordon will not play Sunday when Seattle hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.