Free Agent WR John Brown Works Out With Falcons

Free agent receiver John Brown had a workout with the Falcons on Tuesday, according to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero.

Brown, 31, signed a one-year deal with the Raiders in March, but requested his release on Aug. 31. Brown spent the last two seasons with the Bills, notching career highs in receiving in 2019 with 72 catches for 1,060 yards. Brown ran into injuries in 2020, playing just nine games and was released during the offseason.

Known for his downfield speed and agility, Brown could be the missing piece to a Falcons offense that has been stagnant through two weeks. WR1 Calvin Ridley is the top dog, but has been used differently this year. Quarterback Matt Ryan has relied on Ridley in short passing situations, resulting in a career low yards per target through two games (6.3).

Brown, meanwhile, registered a yards per target of 8.8 last year. While Brown would represent a deep threat the Falcons desperately need, Ryan's arm might be the factor that holds them back. While lethal as ever in the 5-15-yard range, Ryan has seldom pushed the ball down the field. In fact, his longest pass this season went for 24 yards. That's hard to fathom for somebody who has attempted a staggering 81 passes through two games.

The days of Matty Ice slinging it down the field might be over, which signals that Brown might not fit the offense. It might not matter for the 0-2 Falcons who are trending in a downward direction in the NFC South.