The Denver Broncos may be in the market for one of the league’s most explosive wide receivers.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Broncos are one of three teams currently exploring a trade for Antonio Brown. Rapoport previously reported that the Broncos had their eyes on Brown in January. Along with Denver, Arizona and Oakland have each recently expressed interest in the 30-year-old wide receiver as well.
While Rapoport continues to claim the Broncos have interest in Brown, other sources claim the asking price is too high. Mike Klis, of 9NEWS, reports that his sources emphatically denied Denver’s interest in the controversial wide receiver.
It is rumored that the Steelers would like to receive a first round pick–if that’s the case, it would make sense that Denver would be hesitant. However, if Pittsburgh is able to move the veteran wideout before March 17, the Steelers would not have to pay him a $2.5 million signing bonus. So there may be incentive for the Steelers to be flexible on the asking price.
In nine seasons with the Steelers, Brown has consistently been one of the better playmakers in the NFL. Though, in recent years, Brown’s relationship with the organization has soured. On a recent episode of LeBron James’ ‘The Shop’, Brown criticized longtime Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger for the way he treats his teammates. Specifically, Brown, brought up how ‘Big Ben’ blamed him for Shelby Harris’ fourth quarter interception in Pittsburgh’s Week 12 loss at Denver.
“That’s the type of guy he is. He feels like he’s the owner. Bro, you threw this (expletive) to the D-line. How the (expletive) am I going to run a better route? You need to give me a better ball.”
While there is certainly a debate to be had over whether Brown is worth the potential drama he can bring into a locker room, there is no denying that he is one of the most talented wide receivers in the game today. In 130 career games, Brown has 830 receptions, 11,207 receiving yards and 74 touchdowns. Even with all of the chaos in 2018, Brown still managed to lead the league with 15 touchdown receptions.
