Pittsburgh Steelers: Martavis Bryant Trade Destinations

The Pittsburgh Steelers were thrilled when they finally got Martavis Bryant back from suspension. Turns out the feeling may not have been mutual.

It’s hard to say where things started with rumored divide between player and team. Part of it may be the simplest case. Bryant doesn’t want to be the #2 option for Ben Roethlisberger anymore. He feels he can be a top receiver in the NFL. As long as he’s on the same field with Antonio Brown, that’s not happening. That isn’t all though.

The Steelers also drafted Ju Ju Smith-Schuster this past April. Bryant may have said the choice was a replacement for Sammie Coates, but it must’ve been hard not seeing it as a slight to him as well. Smith-Schuster has just three fewer receptions than Bryant to this point and is ahead two touchdowns to one. That has to be infuriating.

Combine all of those things together and it seems the 26-year old is ready for a fresh start.

If the Steelers were willing to go this route, and there is zero indication that’s the case, then which teams might be considered prime contenders to get him?

Chicago Bears

Everybody saw what happened on Sunday in Baltimore. The Bears wide receivers can’t get open to save their lives. Granted the Ravens secondary is excellent but Chicago is lacking talent and experience for young quarterback Mitch Trubisky. GM Ryan Pace isn’t known for bold moves like this. However, there’s no denying Bryant would instantly be the most talented receiver on that roster and somebody who can stretch the field to ease those congested boxes for Jordan Howard.

New York Giants

Odell Beckham? Out. Brandon Marshall? Out. Sterling Shepard? Out. The injuries are piling up at an incredible rate for the New York Giants. Considering they were supposed to be a Super Bowl contender this year, it’s not been the best turn of events. Would a trade for Bryant really turn around their fortunes that drastically? Doubtful but it might set them up for success in 2018, what with Marshall getting older. Of course Bryant may not like to play second fiddle to Beckham after doing so with Brown.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Titanic Coastal Quarterback Shift

Cleveland Browns

It might sound impossible that the Steelers would willingly trade with a division rival, but there are two reasons to believe they would. For one the Browns have a glaring need at receiver and a mountain of draft picks at their disposal. Also there’s the fact that both teams have already done business before. They traded once each of the past two years. Clearly Pittsburgh doesn’t feel threatened in any way doing business with them, and it’s hard to argue with that.