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Antonio Brown: 3 Likely Teams He’ll Be Traded To

By Erik Lambert

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a reception for a first down in the fourth quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a reception for a first down in the fourth quarter during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers and their star wide receiver Antonio Brown seem to have finally reached the point of no return. A trade is coming.

The question is when will it happen and which team will end up claiming him? Answering that first part is simple enough. It’s likely to take place somewhere between the start of free agency and during the NFL draft. As for the second part, rumors have at least shaped the likely plan the Steelers have in regards to what they want to do.

For starters, they apparently have two no-trade zones. This involves the rest of their AFC North division as well as reigning Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots. Not an unwise course of action. Most believe their intention is to ship him off to the NFC where they likely won’t have to deal with him more than once the rest of his NFL career.

With these parameters in mind, it was time to look over the possible contenders for his services. Teams with both the means and the motive to deal for Brown.

San Francisco 49ers

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This is the most obvious choice. Kyle Shanahan is a top offensive mind in the business. The 49ers have a pressing need at wide receiver with Pierre Garcon on the way out, leaving only Marquise Goodwin as their lone proven option. Their $65 million in cap space should also allow him to keep his contract close to what he’s accustomed to making. Shanahan already coached the likes of Julio Jones in Atlanta, so he’s no stranger to handling high profile wide receivers with big egos.

Green Bay Packers

Name the last wide receiver that Aaron Rodgers had who was on Antonio Brown’s level. With all due respect to Jordy Nelson and Greg Jennings, they were always a notch below. The Green Bay Packers have to have a sense of urgency. Rodgers isn’t getting younger and his window of peak play is shrinking. Combining Brown with Davante Adams on that offense under the guidance of a young offensive mind in Matt Lafleur could really be something special in 2019.

Seattle Seahawks

Never count out the Seattle Seahawks in these types of situations. They’ve always been aggressive on the trade front. Also don’t forget that Pete Carroll is no stranger to handling eccentric personalities. Look at the ones he juggled for years up there including Earl Thomas and Michael Bennett. Why wouldn’t they seize the opportunity to pair Brown with Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett? That would easily be the best wide receiver trio Russell Wilson has ever had.

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