NFL Trade Rumors: Hot Market For Antonio Brown, WR Could Be Open To Staying With Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown Pittsburgh Steelers — Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 46-yard reception in the first quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

It was a tumultuous 2018 season for Antonio Brown and the Pittsburgh Steelers, one that ended with the wide receiver being benched in Week 17 because he didn’t show up to practice after an argument with Ben Roethlisberger. It also might have been the 30-year-old’s last season in Pittsburgh, and there appears to be plenty of suitors for the star player.

Steelers’ president Art Rooney II told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thursday that it would be “hard to envision” Brown still being with the Steelers when they begin training camp this summer. Rooney made it clear that Pittsburgh won’t release the receiver, meaning a trade could be the most likely outcome.

Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman has reported that there is no shortage of teams interested in acquiring Brown.

Teams are telling me the potential trade market for Antonio Brown is huge. Teams interested in Brown also tell me (and I know this will shock you) they believe once Brown got into their program they’d be able to control him.
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) January 11, 2019

Antonio Brown respectfully declined comment on trade developments through a rep, but after talking to people close to Brown, my sense: He's open to either option. Good to play w/ Steelers if it shakes out that way, but also open/eager to showing he can flourish in any offense.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 11, 2019

Despite his issues with his starting quarterback and others in Pittsburgh, Brown remained incredibly productive. He caught 104 passes for 1,297 yards this season and led the league with 15 touchdown receptions.

Those kinds of numbers have been the norm for Brown. He’s made the Pro Bowl in six straight seasons, recording more than 100 receptions and 1,280 yards in each year. Brown’s average season since 2013 has been 114 catches, 1,524 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brown has a $22.165 million cap hit for the 2019 NFL season. Pittsburgh will owe him a $2.5 million roster bonus if he isn't traded by March 13.

National Football League