PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 16: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a catch in the second half against the New York Jets during the game on September 16, 2012 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Jets 27-10. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown officially requested a trade from the franchise a few weeks back, and since, there have been dozens of teams rumored to be interested in his services. Early Saturday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped some interesting information regarding which squads might actually be willing to make a deal.
Schefter reports that the Oakland Raiders, the Tennessee Titans and the Washington Redskins have the “most” interest. It’s unclear what each of those franchises would be willing to give up in a deal.
Brown’s relationship with the Steelers’ organization – and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger – deteriorated a great deal this past season. It’s all culminated with him asking for a trade ahead of the 2019 season.
Schefter says the Steelers are looking for a first-round pick in the deal. Brown will be 31 in just a few months, so it’s potentially a steep price for an aging wideout.
The Steelers’ asking price started as a first-round pick and other compensation but has been reduced to a first-round pick. That doesn’t mean the Steelers will get it in return for Brown, but their goals are now more realistic.
Brown, despite not playing in his team’s final game, put up 104 catches for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season. He was still one of the best wideouts in the league despite his frustrations.
Obviously, the quarterback situations in Washington and Tennessee are less-than-desirable. The best of the three is probably Oakland, where Derek Carr is theoretically going to be the starter. Brown likely wouldn’t deal well with subpar quarterback play.
We’ll keep you updated on Brown’s possible destinations.
