If the latest Antonio Brown rumors are correct, the Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t going to get a whole heck of a lot in return for their disgruntled star receiver.
In a column detailing why he believes the Steelers need to simply cut Brown, rather than look for a trade partner, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shared what one longtime personnel man told him about what he’d be willing to give up.
“When I asked one longtime NFL personnel man last week what he would he would give the Steelers for Brown if he were in position to trade for him (he isn’t), he said maybe a sixth-round draft pick.
“What?
“OK, he replied, maybe a conditional fifth or fourth depending on how he performs and maybe if the team makes the playoffs.”
Even counting the latest news about Brown — he’s currently fighting for custody of his daughter after her mother accused him of shoving her with two hands to the ground — this is still pretty stunning.
Brown has caught at least 101 passes for at least 1,284 yards with at least eight touchdowns the past six years running. He’s clearly one of the league’s best all-around receivers, if not the best.
Yet, as Bouchette detailed in his column, Brown does bring some heavy baggage. In addition to some off-field issues, he’s been a real problem inside Pittsburgh’s locker room.
Who could forget his infamous Facebook Live incident?
Who can simply brush aside the fact that he abandoned his teammates ahead of Week 17 just this past season when the Steelers had to win to get into the playoffs?
There’s much, much more, too.
Brown is undeniably talented. He absolutely has the potential to turn any offense into a dangerous unit. But teams are going to have to weigh his character with extreme prejudice, and it’s clear the future is murkier than ever.