The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with drama surrounding their star players for years, but things have finally come to a head, and it appears likely that the team will trade superstar receiver Antonio Brown this offseason. For a player of his caliber, the price will be high, and any team that pays it must be fully committed to winning now. One team that fits that description perfectly is the Green Bay Packers, who are coming off a very disappointing 6-9-1 season.
Green Bay is watching their championship window close before their eyes as Aaron Rodgers draws closer to retirement. With an extra first-round pick, Green Bay has the ammunition to swing a deal for Brown, who would make their offense terrifying and vault the Packers back to the ranks of the Super Bowl contenders.
The Fit
Brown's fit with Green Bay is obvious. Since 2011, he has dominated the NFL by playing an excellent all-around game. He is reliable over the middle, he is a fantastic deep threat, and when Ben Roethlisberger extends plays with his legs, Brown is nearly always the guy he throws to, whether Brown is open or not.
Rodgers is a master at scrambling and finding the open man, and by adding Brown to an offense that already features Davante Adams, Jimmy Graham, and Aaron Jones, Green Bay would once again have an offense that ranked among the league's best.
During the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Packers traded down with the New Orleans Saints in exchange for New Orleans' first-round choice in 2019. The Saints chose pass-rusher Marcus Davenport, while Green Bay traded back up from 27 to 18 and selected cornerback Jaire Alexander, who had an excellent rookie season. Their second-round pick, cornerback Josh Jackson, also played very well, giving the Packers their two starting corners from the same draft class.
Now that Green Bay owns two first-round picks this year, they can begin to fill in the holes remaining on the roster. They own picks 12 and 30, and their primary target should be an edge-rusher. Jachai Polite, Montez Sweat, and Brian Burns are all good options. However, the ideal scenario is one in which the Packers don't pick at either spot this year.
The Deal
The Steelers will want draft assets in order to fill in their weak spots on defense, namely linebacker and defensive back. They own the 2oth overall pick, but the Packers can make them an offer they can't refuse.
If Green Bay offers the 12th and 30th picks for Brown and the 20th selection, Pittsburgh would be foolish to decline.
With the 12th pick in tow, they now have a much better shot at LSU linebacker Devin White, and are in position to trade up for him. With the 30th pick, they can take their CB or safety, or even double-up on linebacker with Michigan's Devin Bush. Not only would the Steelers have much more flexibility in the draft, they would be rid of distractions that Brown causes the team.
Meanwhile, Green Bay would add a dynamic weapon to their receiving corps and pair an all-time great QB with an all-time great receiver. Even though they lose their second first-rounder and drop eight spots, they will still have a good chance at landing Polite, Sweat, or Burns.
They would essentially have traded the 14th pick in 2018 and the 12th pick in 2019 for Jaire Alexander, Antonio Brown, and the 20th pick in 2019. That's a pretty good deal for a team that is trying to win a Super Bowl while simultaneously preparing for life without Rodgers.
It's hard to see another team willing to match or beat the offer that the Green Bay Packers can make for Antonio Brown. A deal makes sense for both Green Bay and Pittsburgh, and even if you aren't a Packers fan, Aaron Rodgers throwing to Antonio Brown will be must-see TV.
Follow Us
Subscribe