It’s been almost a full day since the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Steelers were “close” to completing a trade for disgruntled All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. A report later on Friday from NFL insider Jason La Canfora seemed to mirror the Post-Gazette, saying the “parties involved” believe a deal will be reached within the next 24 hours.
Those reports, however, did not indicate where Brown might be headed. Brown seemed to hint on Friday, by way of his Instagram account, that the Raiders were the front-runners. And furthermore, former NFL player Akbar Gbajabiamila has been adamant for days that the Raiders were the only real option for a trade involving Brown to happen. What he knows or why he believes it is anyone’s guess, but after seeing Brown sabotage a trade with the Bills on Thursday night, there’s no question that Brown has a short list of teams he’s willing to play for… and has real power to kill just about any trade he doesn’t like.
Trade compensation may still be an issue, but after watching Brown’s trade value drop steadily over the past few months, there is surely enough common ground between the Raiders and Steelers to reach a deal. In fact, the cost may end up being cheaper than what the Steelers have been spreading over the past few weeks. After the last few days, how can it not be?
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, if there’s something to keep an eye on, it’s the desired new money that could complicate a deal that sends Brown to the Raiders.
“A person close to Brown said that he would welcome the Raiders as a trade destination, citing the franchise’s 2020 move to Las Vegas as one factor,” the Review-Journal’s Michael Gehlken reported on Friday. “There are no state income taxes in Nevada. One crucial sticking point for the club, however, has been Brown’s desire for a new contract. This must be resolved for any agreement to be reached.”
Whatever the case, Brown is optimistic that something will happen soon and there’s no question the Raiders are high on his list of options. Maybe it’s because of the quarterback – Brown is believed to be fond of Derek Carr – or maybe it’s simply because the Raiders have money to spend.
Either way, answers will be coming soon.
twitter: @raidersbeat
AB and bell sign for our offense we also sign a decent takle and we get a safety and LB/DE versatile player like zadarius smith in FA then trade back in draft every chance we get and stock up for future get a decent CB Safety and DE and LB in draft and a decent wideout i say we pick only 6 times due to trade.