Myself and others have thrown out the idea of the Packers picking up Antonio Brown as a free agent to help bolster the team’s wide receiver position. This is a position that the team desperately needs to improve upon. Brown would bring with him a lot of talent – albeit with some caveats, of course.
Now that we are getting into the off-season and I need something to talk about: I am going to continue to speculate on the possibility of Brown joining a team like the Packers that is already going through a lot of adversity and changes. It is worth mentioning again because Odds Shark recently listed the Green Bay Packers as the 3rd most likely team to trade for Brown.
First, there is the most obvious reaction: this guy is a drama queen and the Packers have had plenty of their own drama to deal with lately. It’s hard to argue against this position because the guy is known to be toxic in the locker room and could further complicate Matt LaFleur’s transition into head coach. While Brown seems to have a lot of respect for Aaron Rodgers, it is anyone’s guess how the two would actually work together given Rodger’s propensity to want to be alpha and take charge.
Another fair criticism is his cost. He is owed ~$15 million in salary and bonuses for this season and he could potentially end up being another financial hit for the Packers. This would also continue the trend of the Packers struggling with their salary cap. Although we are in decent shape going into the 2019 season. His cost to the team would also vary depending on what date it happens.
The most obvious argument for the guy is easy: he is really fucking good. The seven time Pro Bowler has twice led the NFL in receiving yards and twice led the NFL in receptions. He hit his career-high of 15 touchdown receptions this past 2018 season. He doesn’t suck and he does not look to be on the decline either.
We absolutely could use the guy given our wide receiver situation. As long as him and Rodgers could connect and keep their egos from clashing – they could devastate defenses.
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In related news, Brown recently addressed fans on Twitter in regard to his issues with the Steelers:
No conflict just a matter of respect! Mutual respect! He has a owner mentality like he can call out anybody including coaches. Players know but they can’t say anything about it otherwise they meal ticket gone. It’s a dirty game within a game. #truth https://t.co/MsSyBVd3Ny
— AB (@AB84) February 16, 2019
Love Steelers Nation everything to my heart ❤️ no more ! https://t.co/uWwi5mB3R3
— AB (@AB84) February 16, 2019
One thing we know for certain: the guy is on the market. I think he would be a great addition to the team but I also know that the reality is that it would be yet another free agent gamble; a type of gamble that the Packers are on a bit of losing streak with lately(see also: Jimmy Graham). For that reason, if it came down to it, I would not trade for Brown if I had any say in the matter. It is the perfect type of trade for the arm-chair manager that does not have to stick around and deal with the fallout if things go sour. I also wouldn’t complain if it did happen. It would give us plenty to write about next season.