CLOSE SportsPulse: Despite their season being over, the Steelers remain in the headlines for all the wrong reasons
USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell explains why the end may be near for Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh
USA TODAY It might be time for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers to move on from WR Antonio Brown
(Photo11: Phillip G. Pavely, USA TODAY Sports)CONNECT11TWEET11LinkedIn11COMMENT11EMAIL11MORE11(Update: This earlier story has been republished to reflect Antonio Brown's tweet on Tuesday saying that it's "time to move on" from the Pittsburgh Steelers
)What's the best way to end unwelcome, unending drama?Eliminate the "bad" actors, obviously, and that should probably mean exit stage left for Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh
Heresy, you say?Sure, he's still one of the NFL's elite receivers, snaring a league-high 15 TD receptions in 2018
He can go deep. He can take a 5-yard slant to the house. He'll make the most spectacular of catches
And he'll definitely dictate coverages.But .Brown is every bit the diva his position is infamous for
He's been a distraction multiple times, including in a sideline fiasco after coach Mike Tomlin deactivated him following a week that allegedly included a temper tantrum directed at quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during a Wednesday walkthrough before Brown began missing practices for an apparent knee injury and skipped the team's Saturday meeting
Brown had a sideline confrontation with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner during Week 2's loss to the Chiefs
He was "disciplined" by Tomlin for missing a workout the next day. Brown unexpectedly skipped offseason sessions last spring
He live-streamed a victorious locker room after a playoff win in Kansas City two years ago while Tomlin was addressing the players (with choice words about the Patriots prior to Pittsburgh's AFC Championship Game defeat) — another episode that incurred in-house punishment
There are several examples of "AB" pouting when he feels like the Wi-Fi with Roethlisberger is blinking
And on Tuesday, Brown tweeted that it's "time to move on" from the team.More: Mike Tomlin disappointed with Antonio Brown's communication in Steelers' 'darkest hour'More: Antonio Brown 'can't coexist' with the Steelers, ESPN's Ryan Clark saysMore: Steelers' Antonio Brown calls former teammate Ryan Clark an 'Uncle Tom' on InstagramSince Brown developed into a perennial Pro Bowler in 2011, the Steelers have won three playoff games and reached the AFC title game once (that blowout loss at New England to end the 2016 season)
And what does it say when No. 2 receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is named Pittsburgh's MVP — by his teammates?Trading AB may never make more sense
He's got a hefty contract — Brown just completed the first season of a four-year, $68 million extension, though it will look increasingly palatable as other wideouts get paid — but it may not be an impediment to a deal
(Factoring in cash considerations, NFL Network reported Pittsburgh would actually wind up saving $1 million even though Brown will count more than $22 million against the 2019 cap
)$14m in cap from 2020 and 2021 would accelerate into 2019. $15m in cash and cap would come off
So no, nothing cap-wise would stop the Steelers from dealing Brown. https://t.co/EByXdCQvAk— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 2, 2019Yes, Brown is 30, but he's generally durable — last week's apparent phantom knee issue notwithstanding
But regardless of public relations and cap considerations in the near term — and money would obviously be recouped on the back end of any move — if Amari Cooper is worth a first-round pick, what would Brown fetch? The Steelers could certainly use new draft capital to continue rebuilding a problematic defense and shouldn't be left in a lurch at receiver given Smith-Schuster's development — his 1,426 receiving yards were 129 more than Brown had in 2018 — and second-round rookie James Washington's expected emergence after he assumed a more prominent role in December
And if Tomlin was prepared to continue enduring the headaches Brown causes, wouldn't he have issued a more categorical denial about the possibility of moving on?"I'm not going to speculate on trades and things of that nature," Tomlin said
"We haven't formally received a request in that regard, so I'm not going to speculate
I'm not going to speculate where the discipline and things of that nature might go
Just know that it's going to be addressed."So let's speculate and address this with a few potential trade partners
Carolina PanthersImagine the stylistic battles with Cam Newton if two of the league's hippest stars engaged in battles of one-upmanship on the haberdashery front
Trivial matters aside, Newton and Co. could use a do-it-all deep threat to relieve some burden from Christian McCaffrey while allowing 2018 first rounder DJ Moore to grow on an arc potentially similar to Smith-Schuster's
New owner David Tepper, who used to have a minority stake in the Steelers, would have valuable insight
Green Bay PackersI know, I know — the Pack typically don't make daring forays into the trade or free agent markets
But let's not typecast new-ish GM Brian Gutekunst too quickly. Let's also remember that he has an extra first-round pick at his disposal this year if he wants to work something out
Lastly, with Randall Cobb headed to the open market, there is a need here — and Brown would certainly be the kind of upgrade that could revitalize Aaron Rodgers while giving a major boost to the next coaching staff
Indianapolis ColtsOne of this season's AFC wild-card entries is clearly trending in the right direction
GM Chris Ballard is also flush with valuable picks — he has an extra second rounder this year to sweeten any deal — and more than enough cap space to accommodate Brown's contract
And, did you know, Brown and Colts speedster T.Y. Hilton were childhood friends while growing up in Miami's Liberty City? What a combo they could be for Andrew Luck — shades of Peyton Manning's heyday with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne
New York JetsLike the Colts, they've got cap space to burn, so taking on Brown's deal isn't an issue
GM Mike Maccagnan also needs to start arming quarterback Sam Darnold with more weapons — just imagine dealing for Brown and signing Le'Veon Bell
And the Jets have historically loved stealing headlines from the Giants with major moves (that don't always pan out)
But is Maccagnan ready to part with the No. 3 pick of the draft — at minimum probably — especially given this year's second rounder was already shipped to Ballard and the Colts in order to secure Darnold?Oakland RaidersYou may have heard they dealt Cooper to Dallas and now lack a bona fide No
1 target in their pass game. You may have heard Jon Gruden and new GM Mike Mayock have five first-round picks spread over the next two drafts
Gruden and Mayock are also two guys with (scathing) senses of humor who appreciate talent — but either would also be more than willing to give Brown the tough love and straight talk he clearly needs sometimes
And, not for nothing, owner Mark Davis could use another attraction for a franchise that could be a traveling road show in 2019 before it settles in Vegas
San Francisco 49ersAnother team with ample cap space. Another team in dire need of a top wide receiver for Jimmy Garoppolo in a division that won't let anyone rests on their laurels
A team with a creative offensive coach, Kyle Shanahan, who could leverage Brown's game-breaking ability in numerous ways
And, not for nothing, blossoming Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle would clearly embrace the help and has already caught Brown's attention
馃ぉ https://t.co/pA9fiuEX0f— Antonio Brown (@AB84) January 1, 2019Seattle SeahawksSpeaking of NFC West arms races, what a tandem Brown and Russell Wilson might make
Coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider have a history of gambles — Marshawn Lynch, Percy Harvin, Jimmy Graham — and this would certainly represent another for an organization that just underwent a significant reboot of its locker room in favor of younger, more impressionable players
However this is a scenario where Seattle could theoretically offer a solid receiver in return — namely Doug Baldwin (Hines Ward 2
0 in Pittsburgh?) or Tyler Lockett — which could help offset the freight on draft pick compensation
Washington RedskinsFew organizations love splashy deals more. In this case, it would be justifiable with Josh Doctson's failure to flourish and Jamison Crowder's contract expiring
Only the Cardinals had a less potent passing offense in the NFC in 2018, though quarterback Alex Smith's style of play and subsequent leg injury were major factors in Washington's demise — as was the season-ending injury to Paul Richardson, whose career numbers cast doubt on his reliability anyway
Brown could solve a lot of problems here, but obtaining him would be putting the cart before the horse given the mystery surrounding Smith's status moving forward
Business could be booming again in Pittsburgh — which just endured a massively disappointing campaign after opting not to pay Bell what he wanted — but the Steelers need to first initiate what would be yet another key business decision
***Follow Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavisFacebookTwitterGoogle+LinkedInTop potential NFL free agents of 2019 Fullscreen Posted!A link has been posted to your Facebook feed
1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, Texans Troy Taormina, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen2. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Steelers Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen3
Nick Foles, QB, Eagles Eric Hartline, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen4. Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Cowboys Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen5
Grady Jarrett, DT, Falcons Brett Davis, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen6. Trey Flowers, DE, Patriots Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen7
Earl Thomas, S, Seahawks Ron Chenoy, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen8. Frank Clark, DE, Seahawks Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen9
Dee Ford, OLB, Chiefs Jake Roth, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen10. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Ravens Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen11
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Redskins Kim Klement, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen12. Preston Smith, OLB, Redskins Brad Mills, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen13
Brandon Graham, DE, Eagles Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen14. Matt Paradis, C, Broncos Mark J
Rebilas, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen15. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Rams Robert Deutsch, Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY SportsFullscreen16
Landon Collins, S, Giants Brad Penner, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen17. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints Derick E
Hingle, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen18. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Saints Chuck Cook, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen19
Golden Tate, WR, Eagles Bill Streicher, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNot ranked: Za'Darius Smith, OLB, Ravens Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Tyrann Mathieu, S, Texans Troy Taormina, Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Anthony Barr, LB, Vikings Harrison Barden, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Ronald Darby, CB, Eagles Brad Penner, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Vikings Brace Hemmelgarn, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Adrian Amos, S, Bears Mike Dinovo, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Lamarcus Joyner, S, Rams Kirby Lee, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Trent Brown, OT, Patriots Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Rodger Saffold, G, Rams Mark J
Rebilas, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Bryce Callahan, CB, Bears Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Clay Matthews, OLB, Packers Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Dante Fowler, OLB, Rams Gary A
Vasquez, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Terrell Suggs, OLB, Ravens Geoff Burke, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Kareem Jackson, CB, Texans Troy Taormina, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Jared Cook, TE, Raiders Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Cole Beasley, WR, Cowboys Gary A
Vasquez, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Donovan Smith, OT, Buccaneers Aaron Doster, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Randall Cobb, WR, Packers Jeff Hanisch, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Jay Ajayi, RB, Eagles Jonathan Dyer, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Thomas Davis, LB, Panthers Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: John Brown, WR, Ravens Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Tevin Coleman, RB, Falcons Kim Klement, USA TODAY SportsFullscreenNR: Cameron Wake, DE, Dolphins Rich Barnes, USA TODAY SportsFullscreen Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:Replay1 of 422 of 423 of 424 of 425 of 426 of 427 of 428 of 429 of 4210 of 4211 of 4212 of 4213 of 4214 of 4215 of 4216 of 4217 of 4218 of 4219 of 4220 of 4221 of 4222 of 4223 of 4224 of 4225 of 4226 of 4227 of 4228 of 4229 of 4230 of 4231 of 4232 of 4233 of 4234 of 4235 of 4236 of 4237 of 4238 of 4239 of 4240 of 4241 of 4242 of 42AutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext Slide CONNECT11TWEET11LinkedIn11COMMENT11EMAIL11MORE11
For more infomation >> 2/12/19 4:07 PM (2 Rose St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18704, USA) - Duration: 0:30. 
For more infomation >> 2/12/19 4:09 PM (31 River St, Forty Fort, PA 18704, USA) - Duration: 0:30. 
For more infomation >> 2/12/19 4:06 PM (897 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA) - Duration: 0:30. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:13 PM (220 S River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
For more infomation >> 2/12/19 3:56 PM (897 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA) - Duration: 0:25. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:16 PM (750 Scott St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
For more infomation >> 2/12/19 4:08 PM (1609 US-11, Forty Fort, PA 18704, USA) - Duration: 0:30. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:09 PM (1735 River Rd, Jenkins Township, PA 18640, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:12 PM (28 N River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:19 PM (34 Baltimore St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
For more infomation >> 2/11/19 4:14 PM (341 Maffett St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705, USA) - Duration: 1:00. 
No comments:
Post a Comment