The Antonio Brown saga is finally done in Pittsburgh.
Once a star for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the relationship turned strained and it became clear that both the organization and Brown wanted to part ways. Trade talks began in January.
“Well, obviously things fell apart at the end of the season,” Drew Rosenhaus, Brown’s agent, said to ESPN. “Antonio wanted to play in the last game against the Bengals, it didn’t work out that way.”
“There were a lot of things said that, really it was just a divorce,” he continued. “Antonio had nine great years. Sometimes in life, whether it’s sports or business, you have a great relationship, but things happen and you have to move on.”
Brown recorded 837 receptions, 11,207 yards and 74 touchdown catches in nine years in Pittsburgh. He had six consecutive 100-catch seasons, which was an NFL record.
Now, he will bring that talent to the Oakland Raiders. According to ESPN, Brown signed a three-year deal that is worth up to $54.125 million with $30.125 million guaranteed.
He had three years and $38.9 million remaining on his Steelers’ contract and none of that money was guaranteed. With this trade, Pittsburgh is left with $21.12 million in dead money against their salary cap – reported to be the largest dead money charge for a single player in one season in NFL history.
Things are going to be interesting next season. Oakland becomes more of a threat with Brown and Derek Carr whereas Pittsburgh is left to find a new star player.
Jaclyn Marr 