Bucs GM insists 'there's no risk' signing Brown to 1-year deal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a Super Bowl contender prior to signing Antonio Brown, and general manager Jason Licht doesn't believe the controversial wideout's addition will jeopardize his team's championship aspirations.

"It's an opportunity that we're giving him, another opportunity, but it's a one-year deal and if it doesn't work, there's no risk," Licht told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. "No risk."

He added: "(Brown and head coach Bruce Arians) had a very candid conversation and I don't want to paraphrase. But Bruce said to me, 'He'll be good.'"

The Bucs ended Brown's yearlong absence from the NFL last month by signing him to a one-year contract.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers star - who sat out eight games due to a violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy - will make his debut in a pivotal NFC South showdown Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Tom Brady already had an embarrassment of riches to work with on offense, including two Pro Bowl receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Despite Brown's time on the sidelines, Licht still sees a special player who can push Tampa Bay over the top.

"He's just so explosive and sudden and so much stronger than he looks," Licht said after watching Brown in practice. "If you saw him in a grocery store, you wouldn't think he's a seven-time Pro Bowler. But man. He's very strong, great hands, super explosive."

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