Sometimes the best part about the NFL offseason is the rumor mill. When rumors start you have to take them with a grain of salt. After all, that is why they are called rumors. However, when they continue for weeks or longer, there may be a bit of fire to go along with all that smoke. That is exactly the case lately with the Detroit Lions rumor mill when it comes to striking a deal for former Central Michigan and current Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown.
Brown will be traded
It has been common knowledge for over a month that Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown wants out of Steelers Country in a bad way.
Brown went as far as taking to social media to thank the fans of Pittsburgh for his time in the Steel City.
The crazy thing is, he is still technically under contract with the Steelers until 2022. After a Twitter post by Brown went viral yesterday with Brown and Steelers owner Mr. Rooney, it is clear that the two sides will be parting ways. The two seemed to come to a mutual agreement that separating may be best for both sides involved.
Had a great meeting with Mr.Rooney today we discussed a lot of things and we cleared the air on several issues! We both agreed that it is time to move on but I’ll always have appreciation and gratitude towards the Rooney family and @steelers organization! #CallGod #Boomin pic.twitter.com/DEgURchvhW
— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 19, 2019
So, let the offers begin!
Which teams will pursue Brown remains to be seen, however, it seems that the Detroit Lions have a great shot at landing the star wideout if they are interested.
Will Lions make an offer?
According to a 247 report, 13 teams have been rumored to have a general interest in trading for Brown. The list order is set by what the teams could possibly be offering, and what NFL experts believe the Steelers would be intrigued by the most.
Of the 13, the Lions rank third overall.
This is how the projected deal would go down. Detroit sends wideout Marvin Jones Jr. and a 3rd round draft pick to the Steelers for Antonio Brown.
The Lions have the money to make this work. That’s No 1. The second reason you have to make this move is you are getting a wideout that is not only one of the best in the game, but he would only make Kenny Golladay that much better.
Golladay has “rising star” written all over him, but Detroit needs another aggressive receiver to compliment the offense. Therefore, this may make the deal possible.
If this type of opportunity could come to fruition, and the Lions have the No. 8 draft selection overall this April, Detroit could be a totally different team this fall. The two teams listed ahead of Detroit are the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.
If you could play Detroit Lions General Manager for a day, would you make this deal?