Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Heinz Field. Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to trade Pro Bowl wideout Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders for a third and fifth-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Brown, 30, will also get his contract restructured from a three-year, $38.925 million deal to a three-year, $50.125 million deal.
Brown, one of the NFL’s premier wideouts, had 104 catches for 1,297 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns in 2018. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time first-team All-Pro. He’s led the league in yards (2014, 2017) and receptions (2014, 2015) twice.
The move is a bold one for head coach Jon Gruden considering the Raiders traded away Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper a year ago — and Brown’s volatility. The departure of Mack appeared to be contract related. The trade of Cooper was also a shocker considering his youth and past productivity.
If the addition of Brown works out, Oakland will possess a Hall of Fame-caliber pass-catcher to team with quarterback Derek Carr just a few months after shipping Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys. The move could also blow up on Gruden and the Raiders if some of the shenanigans that Brown pulled in Pittsburgh (being late to practice, games, arguing with teammates/coaches etc.) arise in Oakland.
