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The news is bittersweet for Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The writing is on the wall for Antonio Brown to be on a different team in 2019. However, with more and more teams showing interest in Brown’s services, the Steelers might be able to leverage themselves into a good spot with a high draft pick, an experienced player, or both.
Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert spoke at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, and made it very clear the number of teams showing interest in Brown is growing.
Last week Colbert went on the NFL Network to talk about his comments regarding Ben Roethlisberger and his ‘52 kids’, Le’Veon Bell being permitted to test the free agent waters as an unrestricted free agent and of course Antonio Brown’s potential trade stock. It was there Colbert said there were three teams who have called about Brown, and at the Combine Colbert said the number has grown since his public statement.
This via Bob Labriola of Steelers.com:
As for a potential trade of Antonio Brown, GM Kevin Colbert said the #Steelers received interest from three teams shortly after he said publicly for the first time that trading Brown would be explored, and they have heard from more teams recently.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) February 27, 2019
The more people showing interest in Brown, even if it is just a phone call, is good news for the organization. For them to get the maximum for Brown, they need to be able to leverage certain teams/offers against one another.
If the Oakland Raiders want to give the Steelers a high second round pick, the Steelers could turn to the San Francisco 49ers and tell them it would have to be a first round pick to get Brown.
This game of cat and mouse can lead to a maximum return, and not settling on the highest bidder — something Colbert reiterated would not happen. With all NFL Head Coaches and General Managers present for the Scouting Combine, expect these talks to heat up in a big way.
In the meantime, stay tuned to BTSC for the latest new and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for a wild offseason, free agency and NFL Draft.