Pittsburgh Steelers: Why They Must Consider Trading Antonio Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers are left licking their wounds after receiving yet another drubbing in New England, and what the future holds for the roster.

Above all the good news is their core remains intact, and most of it is young. Ben Roethlisberger remains somewhat of a mystery after his retirement hint. Smart money though says he’ll be back. Keys moving forward for the team is to start locking up as many free agents as they can while preparing for an important draft. All hopes of course being on getting that final boost to reach the Super Bowl. Chief among the objective what they’ll do about Antonio Brown.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported what many already saw coming. The Steelers are already in the process of talking an extension with him.

Steelers beginning their dialogue today with LB Lawrence Timmons, a pending FA, and WR Antonio Brown, in line for extension, on new deals
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 13, 2017

Their reasoning to do so is perfectly logical. Brown is one of the three best wide receivers in the NFL. He hasn’t had fewer than 100 catches or 1,200 yards since 2012. He’s coming off his fourth-straight Pro Bowl appearance as well. Everything about the situation says they must do whatever they can in order to ensure he remains a Steeler. Then again there is also that nagging little voice at the back the brain who must ask.

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Why don’t they consider trading him?

No, seriously. It may sound crazy to outsiders but shouldn’t to the Steelers. For one, Brown is 28-years old and at the peak of his powers. The return Pittsburgh could get for him would be substantial. Multiple high draft choice, with which they could infuse a roster that reached the AFC championship with even more young talent.

Then there is the fact that this team, under GM Kevin Colbert has been masterful at pinpointing receiving talent. Here is a rundown of notable names they’ve drafted since he took over the job in 2000.

Plaxico Burress (2000)
Antwaan Randle El (2002)
Santonio Holmes (2006)
Mike Wallace (2009)
Antonio Brown (2010)
Emmanuel Sanders (2010)
Martavis Bryant (2014)

That’s quite an accomplished list of playmakers, all of whom the Steelers drafted and developed. Why should there be any reason to think they can’t manage the loss of Brown, especially with what he’ll bring in return for whomever deals for him? Besides there are lingering concerns that despite his outstanding skill, he might be getting a little too focused on his personal success rather than team success. The mark of a good business is buying low and selling high.

Drafting Brown in the 6th round, getting his best years from him and trading him for a bounty right before he hits 30-years old would be the pinnacle of such strategy.

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