Antonio Brown is ready to move on with his career outside of Pittsburgh, and Steelers GM Kevin Colbert confirmed this week that the team has been fielding calls from potential trade partners.
Almost every team in the league would love to add one of the NFL’s best receivers to their roster, and most of the teams in the NFL have the financial flexibility to make a hypothetical deal work – but that doesn’t mean the Steelers will necessarily trade Brown to the highest bidder. According to ESPN and Sports Illustrated, four teams are already out of the running for Mr. Big Chest.
Via ESPN:
“The team would prefer to send Brown to an NFC team for competitive reasons, a source told ESPN. The New England Patriots and AFC North rivals are considered no-trade zones, and the Steelers would rather see Brown affect wins and losses in another conference, if possible.”
Colbert said Friday during an appearance on NFL Network that three teams have contacted the Steelers about a Brown trade. Colbert also said that there’s no guarantee the Steelers will trade Brown.
Via NFL.com:
“We don’t know how long it could take. We’re open to it. Again, if it doesn’t benefit us, we won’t do it. And that’s as simple as it gets. And that was explained to Antonio and to Drew Rosenhaus, his representative, in a very respectful way. They understand our thinking. If we can accomplish something that happens to benefit both sides, great. But if it doesn’t benefit us, it won’t happen.”
