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Antonio Brown wanting out of Pittsburgh, and possibly being granted this request, is old news. However, when Kevin Colbert spoke to reporters this week, he told everyone in attendance the Steelers had not had any calls from NFL teams regarding a potential trade for Brown.
It is Friday, and that has suddenly changed...
Per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Kevin Colbert told the league’s flagship station three NFL franchises have reached out regarding a potential trade for Antonio Brown:
#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert says three teams have reached out so far on a potential Antonio Brown trade. Won’t say what a team would need to offer for Brown, but emphasizes: “If it doesn’t benefit us, we won’t do it.” Full interview airing now on @nflnetwork
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 22, 2019
It may seem to some that just three teams showing interest in obtaining the skill set of the league’s best wide receiver is a small number, but this number will only grow in the coming weeks. With all NFL General Mangers and head coaches at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, it is there where the trade talks can really start to heat up.
While Colbert did admit a trio of teams have reached out, he was sure to add how if the deal doesn’t “benefit us [Steelers]” they won’t do a deal. In other words, if you want Antonio Brown in 2019, and beyond, you will need to pony up the appropriate compensation to get him.
If they don’t get the compensation they feel is appropriate, look for the Steelers to hold onto Brown’s rights. What he does at that point is up to him. He could report to work and continue to play, or he could sit out 2019 and lose a lot of money.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding this story, and others, regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers as the offseason continues.