NFL Trade Rumors: Antonio Brown Expresses 49ers Interest In Instagram Post

The Pittsburgh Steelers might still be open to reconciling with star wide receiver Antonio Brown, but it might not matter if he wants out of town badly enough. Brown took to Instagram on Friday to seemingly declare interest in playing for the San Francisco 49ers, perhaps the most rumored landing spot for the perennial Pro Bowler.

Brown shared an edited image of himself in a 49ers uniform being embraced by former 49ers star Jerry Rice, alongside a quote from Rice about the team potentially acquiring Brown. Rice stated in a radio interview this month that Brown wants to play in San Francisco.

Of course, this is not necessarily confirmation that Brown definitely wants to be traded to the 49ers. Another report from this week suggested both Brown and the Steelers are interested in reconciliation, and that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants to retain the star receiver.

Steelers president Art Rooney II also said the Steelers need to sit down and talk with Brown before making any decisions. Just a few weeks ago, Rooney sounded more certain that Brown would be gone.

It is unclear what changed between then and now. One possibility is that the Steelers have not gotten trade offers that matched their expectations. The team was said to want a first-round pick for Brown, but NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport said other teams expected to get him for less.

Even if Brown actually wants to play for the 49ers, it is not yet known if the team actually has interest. San Francisco is not lacking in cap space or draft capital, but NFL Network reporter Mike Garafolo said this week that the 49ers are not vigorously pursuing Brown yet.

The 49ers are betting favorites to land Brown, according to oddsmakers.