It’s not happening.
Yes, the New England Patriots will likely be in need of talent at wide receiver with a handful of their best pass catchers considering retirement (Rob Gronkowski) or heading into free agency (Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson). Yes, Antonio Brown is trying desperately to force his way off the Pittsburgh Steelers. And yes, Bill Belichick likes to buy low on players. While Brown’s contract is cumbersome and he’d demand a haul in a trade, this is about as low as Brown’s trade value can get.
But there’s almost no way Brown lands with the Patriots, even if Pittsburgh and New England make for decent trade partners. The reason is simple: The Steelers won’t want to do anything to help the Patriots. Pittsburgh doesn’t want to face Brown in a playoff game between the two teams.
So let’s not make this argument overlong, because the rationale is fairly simple. At this point, the relationship between the Patriots and the Steelers is icy, like one between division rivals. The Patriots have four picks in the first three rounds, and a number of the logical necessities to get involved in a potential trade. But the Steelers aren’t giving the Patriots one of the best receivers in the NFL. There’s no chance.
