With all of the drama in Pittsburgh over the last week, the Steelers are willing to listen on offers to Antonio Brown. The star receiver would have to seriously mend his relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to return to the team, which does not look likely. Where could Brown end up though? Here are five potential landing spots for Antonio Brown.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are a good fit because they need a wide receiver. Their leading receiver this season was tight end George Kittle, but after him, it was Kendrick Bourne. What makes this more intriguing is that Antonio Brown has liked and responded to social media posts that hint at him becoming a 49er.
— AB (@AB84) January 1, 2019
San Francisco may also be in a position to move down in the 2019 NFL Draft, as they don’t really need a defensive lineman or quarterback, which will likely be the two groups that teams covet in this year’s draft. The Steelers asked for a hefty return for any Le’Veon Bell trade and they will probably ask for a lot for Brown, even given the recent drama and that he is going to be 31 by the time next season starts.
Vegas odds: 9/1
2. Oakland Raiders
One thing is for sure: The Raiders have the capital to make a trade for Antonio Brown. They have three first-round picks in the 2019Â NFL Draft as a result of their trades this season. The Raiders will also have a void of playmakers because they traded Amari Cooper to the Cowboys.
While they do have the cap space to afford Brown, the question will be if Mark Davis can afford to pay the players. The franchise has a lot of money tied up with their move to Las Vegas and it was rumored that they couldn’t afford contract extensions for Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack.
Vegas odds: 4/1
3. Green Bay Packers
Randall Cobb may have played his last game for the Packers. Outside of Devante Adams, the receivers on the Packers are pretty young and not quite ready to be stars. While they have bigger issues on the defensive side of the ball, whoever their new coach is may want to arm Aaron Rodgers with everything necessary to have the best offense in the NFL.
In last year’s draft, the Packers traded with the Saints to get an additional first round pick for this season. If the Steelers’ asking price for Brown is high, the Packers have the draft capital to get the deal done.
Vegas odds:7/1
4. New York Jets
The Jets can work with Sam Darnold for his development, but will want to get him some more skill players to utilize. Quincy Enunwa was just signed to an extension and Robbie Anderson is a big-play threat, but neither are sure-fire number one receivers. Adding Brown, assuming the off-the-field drama wouldn’t come up, would help Darnold out in his formative years as an NFL quarterback.
Cap space will not be an issue for the Jets, as they’ll have some of the most to work with in the NFL. They’ll have an early draft pick to offer and aren’t a division foe, which will make them a solid potential suitor for a trade.
Vegas odds: 3/1
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bruce Arians is rumored to be the next head coach of the Bucs. Arians was the offensive coordinator for the Steelers for Brown’s first two seasons. If he feels like he can work with him again and prevent any drama, Arians could make the move. Even without Arians there could be a chance that the Buccaneers try to get Brown.
DeSean Jackson is likely gone for next season. With Mike Evans and Brown, the offense could be really dynamic. The Bucs will also have a first round pick to deal for him, since that is likely what the Steelers are asking for.
Vegas odds: 5/1
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!