49ers Rumors: Is San Francisco Actually Interested In Antonio Brown?

All signs point to the Pittsburgh Steelers trying to trade star wide receiver Antonio Brown this offseason. While this is an evolving process that likely will not be resolved anytime soon, early rumors point to the San Francisco 49ers as the most likely suitor for Brown.

But are the 49ers actually trying to trade for Brown?

They may not be at the moment, according to NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo. In an interview on TSN, Garafolo said there was “no sense” the 49ers would make a huge effort to acquire Brown, who turns 31 in July.

The 49ers have been the betting favorites to land Brown for some time, thanks largely to people attached to the team publicly courting Brown. Former 49ers great Jerry Rice keeps close contact with Brown and said last week the star receiver wants to play in the Bay Area.

In addition, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman was mildly supportive of the idea when asked about it by TMZ Sports.

The Steelers are not expected to start trade talks until the NFL Combine begins in late February, but the asking price for Brown could simply be too much for the 49ers. They have cap space to work with, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported earlier this month that the Steelers expect at least a first round pick in return for Brown.

After a 4-12 season, the 49ers have the second overall pick in the draft, which they may be hesitant to include in a package for a 31-year-old receiver. It is possible that the asking price will decrease over time; NFL insider Ian Rapoport also reported this month that teams are not expected to give up more than a second round pick for Brown.

The New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders are some of the other teams that are expected to at least be interested in acquiring Brown.