The
Pittsburgh Steelers might have a trade partner for
Antonio Brown.
The Steelers are closing in on a deal to send the disgruntled wide receiver to the
Buffalo Bills,
NFL Network reported citing sources.
What the Steelers might receive as compensation in the reported deal is not known.
A trade for Brown had been expected to happen soon. Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said at the NFL scouting combine last week that "interest has grown" in the seven-time Pro Bowler.
The Bills desperately need to improve their 31st-ranked passing offense. In theory, Brown — who twice led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards — would provide an instant boost. However, the Bills are quarterbacked by the erratic Josh Allen (completion percentage of 52.8 in his rookie season), and not a probable future Hall of Famer like Ben Roethlisberger, who Brown has publicly criticized.
Brown, meanwhile, responded to the NFL's Instagram post about the trade report by calling it "fake news."
Brown had a tumultuous 2018 season with the Steelers. He missed several practices and meetings before a Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers declared him inactive for that game, which was a must-win for Pittsburgh in its playoff hopes. The Steelers won, 16-13, but missed the playoffs.