Oakland Raiders chosen as top team to trade for Antonio Brown
By Erik Lambert
The Oakland Raiders figure to be one of the most aggressive teams this offseason at acquiring talent for their roster. No surprise given how 2018 went.
Could this mean they might be active in the trade market? As with all things, it comes down to who will be available. One name that is sure to have the attention of NFL teams across the league is Antonio Brown. The wide receiver has been a superstar for over half a decade with some utterly eye-popping numbers and a host of highlight reel plays.
That said this superb play has come with a price. Brown isn’t exactly known for being a team player. He never really was, though his electric performances allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to keep that under wraps because the team was winning. Now as they ponder the first time they’ve missed the playoffs in years, it’s something they can’t hide anymore.
Brown not only missed teams meetings leading up to the season finale but didn’t play in the game and also left early over a reported dispute with a teammate. Suddenly his spot in Pittsburgh looks tenuous. Inevitably this has led to rumors that he wishes for a trade. In the event that actually happens, where could he end up?
Oakland Raiders could benefit from Brown more than most
It’s still unclear whether the Steelers will even consider dealing their troubled star or if they’ll just try to smooth things over. If it’s the former, then Bucky Brooks of NFL.com can see several teams having interest. The question is will any of them have the resources they’re willing to expend for a player who, great as he’s been, will be pushing into his 30s. The Raiders are that team in his eyes.
"“Jon Gruden desperately needs to add offensive playmakers to the lineup to help a sagging offense become more explosive. Brown would give the team a legitimate No. 1 receiver with the potential to score from anywhere on the field, which is critical in a catch-and-run offense directed by Derek Carr. With five first-round picks over the next two years and a ton of cap space, the Raiders have enough ammunition to make Brown a member of the Silver and Black.”"
He’s not wrong. As far as price, few teams can afford it more than the Raiders. There’s also the established pipeline Gruden has with the Steelers already, having traded for Martavis Bryant this past year. It’s clear he doesn’t mind being aggressive for veteran receivers, even if they may come with some personality concerns. That’s been the Raider way for decades.
Brown would be able to ease the glaring loss of Amari Cooper in that passing game courtesy of that trade last year. If nothing else it would give Derek Carr a reliable option until they could rebuild the position with young talent.