The Pittsburgh Steelers are rumored to be in trade talks to deal former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown to another franchise by the end of the week. However, the Steelers want nothing less than a first-round pick in return for Brown, so the following packages will all presumably include a future first-round pick or an equivalent package in return.
Brown's age, off-field issues, and presumed desire for another contract once his current one expires could be a deterrent for inquiring teams. On the other hand no one is questioning what Brown can do on the field, and there have been no signs of slowing down. Brown led the league in touchdown grabs in 2018 with 15 and continues to be at the forefront of the league's most highly regarded pass catchers.
Here are a few possible trade packages that could make the Steelers ultimately part ways with their prized receiver.
4. Oakland Raiders
2019 first-round pick (24th overall), safety Karl Joseph
The Raiders seem to be the most likely landing spot for Brown, and considering they have three first-round picks in this year's draft, it's likely they can afford to part with one of them. While the fourth overall pick is likely off limits, their next pick is probably a bit more attainable for the Steelers.
In addition to that selection, it's been rumored that the Raiders were trying to deal hard-hitting safety Karl Joseph at the deadline. Joseph could instantly help a porous steelers secondary and pair nicely with Sean Davis.
The Raiders will likely remain frontrunners for Brown going forward considering their desperate need for a playmaker as well as their flexibility with multiple draft picks.
3. Washington Redskins
2019 second-round pick, linebacker Mason Foster
The Redskins have a somewhat high second-round pick and Mason Foster is coming off a career-best 131 total tackles in 2018. Washington needs a pass catcher in a big way and have seen their signings with Terrelle Pryor and Paul Richardson fail miserably the last two seasons.
The Redskins are likely not willing to give up their 2019 15th overall pick, but their second-round pick could be included with the addition of one of Pittsburgh's biggest needs.
Foster is in the final year of his short term deal with Washington, so the Steelers could pick up the final year of his contract and address the near irreplaceable void Ryan Shazier has left behind. Foster just turned 30 this month, but coming off the season he just had, it's likely there will be more to follow before his career comes to an end.
2. Indianapolis Colts
2019 first-round pick (26th overall), cornerback Quincy Wilson
The Colts are in the best shape out of the four teams listed, and while acquiring Brown would presumably cost them this upcoming season's first-round pick, the team could be fine parting with it. Indianapolis far exceeded expectations in 2018 and appear to be way ahead of schedule after hitting a home run in last season's draft with Quenton Nelson and Darius Leonard making immediate impacts.
The Colts have a potentially high-powered offense with a presumably healthy Andrew Luck going forward, but they need another playmaker to complement T.Y. Hilton. Tight end Eric Ebron is a red-zone threat, but aside from that aspect of his game, there's a lot to be desired.
The addition of cornerback Quincy Wilson is a gamble for the Steelers, but it is a gamble they should take considering cornerback Artie Burns seems to be a bust for Pittsburgh. Wilson started to come into his own last season, so the momentum could carry over with the Steelers.
1. San Francisco 49ers
2019 second-round pick, 2020 third-round pick, defensive end Solomon Thomas
Out of the four teams, the 49ers seem to be the most desperate for a pass catcher and the secret is out in regards to his Brown's continuous speculative interest in playing in San Francisco. The 49ers need a dynamic offensive star aside from tight end George Kittle, who previously was recruiting Brown via Twitter.
The picks are there for San Francisco to take the chance on and not make the next couple seasons a complete waste for them in regards to trying to make something happen in the near future.
In addition to the picks, defensive end Solomon Thomas has two seasons under his belt and has yet to gain any kind of momentum or show much promise. Thomas may be a headache for the 49ers, but the Steelers could use him situationally and possibly see a rejuvenated version of the former Stanford lottery pick.
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