The Antonio Brown trade rumors are not going away any time soon.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers are now expected to hear trade offers for their disgruntled wide receiver prior to the start of free agency.
Brown missed the Steelers’ Week 17 game after a reported spat with his teammates and coaching staff, and speculation has run wild that he might want to continue his career elsewhere.
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The 30-year-old receiver is due to collect a $2.5 million roster bonus on March 15 -- the third day of the 2019 league year -- and thus any trade involving him will likely occur before then.
ESPN's Adam Schefter later reported that the Steelers are expected to restructure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's contract, which frees up more salary cap space and makes trading Brown more palatable.
The 49ers, of course, have been linked as a possible suitor for Brown ever since trade rumors began. Brown has followed the 49ers on social media and shown love for 49ers All-Pro tight end George Kittle.
[RELATED: Would 49ers fans prefer Antonio Brown or Odell Beckham Jr.?]
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have long been searching for a true No. 1 receiver, and Brown would surely fit the mold. The nine-year veteran has been the model of consistency, posting six straight seasons with more than 100 receptions and 1,200 yards.
However, the price for San Francisco to acquire Brown is sure to be steep. Rapoport cites two NFL general managers who believe it would take a first-round pick to acquire him; another GM said “multiple high picks.”
The 49ers have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, as well as the No. 36 pick. Would either of those draft picks -- or both -- be enough to pry Brown from Pittsburgh?
We shall see ...