Before he was released by the Oakland Raiders, Antonio Brown was reportedly shopped by the team following his conflict with general manager Mike Mayock.
Jay Glazer reported Sunday morning that the Raiders “very quietly tried to trade Antonio Brown on Thursday, two days before his release. Couldn’t find any takers bc of drama and his contract.”
That no team was willing to trade for Brown is hardly surprising. He’s been a tornado of conflict since last season in Pittsburgh.
Ultimately, Oakland opted to welcome Brown back into the fold one day later, only to have him orchestrate his way off the roster with a YouTube video in which he shared a private conversation between himself and head coach Jon Gruden.
The Raiders responded by fining him over $215,000 and taking away just over $29 million in guarantees, after which he took to social media again asking for his release.
That release was granted to Brown, who swiftly signed with the defending champion New England Patriots.
So in the end, Oakland gave up a third- and fifth-round pick for absolutely nothing in return except to see their coveted playmaker sign with the best team in the AFC.