Now that star receiver Antonio Brown has officially requested a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, it looks like the six-time Pro Bowler will be playing in another NFL city next season.
We know full well that Brown’s relationship with franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is beyond repair following their late-season spat. Brown’s social media activity has also made it clear he wants to move on from the Steelers with one team in mind.
That’s all fine and dandy, but we’re here to say that Pittsburgh should not give in to Brown’s demands. Here’s why.
Brown is still under contract: Pittsburgh has not been one to set a precedent like this.
- The Steelers could have traded holdout running back Le’Veon Bell prior to the 2018 season. They could have dealt him before October’s trade deadline. They didn’t.
- Pittsburgh now faces the real possibility of losing Bell for nothing in free agency. It’s the risk this team was willing to take to prove a point.
- Brown’s situation really isn’t much different. Boasting the most stable organization in pro sports, the Steelers shouldn’t set what could be a franchise-altering precedent.
Patriots have provided the blueprint: While there’s no love lost here, Pittsburgh could follow in New England’s path.
- Much like the Pittsburgh, the defending champs have never been one to give in to demands. Just ask Malcolm Butler, who was cast aside like a rotten bowl of clam chowder.
- Under contract, the Steelers could very well move Brown to a team that’s not necessarily of his choosing. How would he like the winter in Western New York or playing with a questionable organization in the nation’s capital?
- At the very least, Pittsburgh could send Brown to an NFC team that’s not of his choosing. It’s dissimilar to the Patriots trading Jimmy Garoppolo, but it would get him out of their conference.
The devil is in the details: Brown’s contract makes it hard for Pittsburgh to deal him.
- Any deal involving Brown would have to take place by March 17. He’s due a $2.5 million roster bonus — something Pittsburgh will not want to eat.
- Even if Brown were dealt prior to then, the Steelers would take an $8-plus million dead money hit. What’s the value in that?
- Based on the above-mentioned dead cap hit, Pittsburgh might ask for a premium in return. Given that his value has been lowered due to a recent off-field issue, this could be the Steelers way of playing mice with Brown.
Again, he’s under contract: This is an important last note.
- Let’s say Pittsburgh receives a second-round pick and change back for Brown. Is that worth the team setting this bad precedent? We’re not too sure.
- Brown is under contract for the next three seasons. Who cares if he wants out of dodge? Let him sit out next season.
- If Brown were to call the Steelers’ bluff and report, relegate him to bench duties. It would be a way for GM Kevin Colbert and Co. to prove their point in a big way.