Odds Heavily in Favor of Antonio Brown Remaining a Steeler in 2019

• Mercurial WR Antonio Brown adds more Steelers drama
• Will Pittsburgh move on from another star offensive player?
• What is the best bet to make here?

Is there anything else that can go wrong for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

They’ve already collapsed out of the playoff picture altogether, star running back Le’Veon Bell likely played his last snap a season ago, and now, mercurial wideout Antonio Brown apparently wants out too.

This is now the second time that Brown has made such a claim this season.

With the Steelers title window quickly closing, is it time to consider this sort of change?

While Vegas doesn’t see it, there’s certainly a path to this possibility.

Odds What Team Antonio Brown Plays for in 2019

*Odds taken Jan 3

Can Brown and Steelers Repair the Situation?

For those of you who don’t know what happened, here’s the Coles Notes version: In the leadup to their must-win Week 17 game against the Bengals, Brown was apparently miffed at practice that QB Ben Roethlisberger kept running a certain play.

Brown got angry, reportedly said he felt underappreciated and threw a football at a teammate, believed to be Big Ben.

As it came to game time, Brown sat out, reportedly due to knee, ankle and foot ailments. It was later revealed that it was due to that outburst, along with skipping practices and meetings throughout the week.

And in the final twist of fate, Brown reportedly asked to be traded. Also, if you’re a fan of cryptic tweets:

Happy New Year. Be great. pic.twitter.com/QLna1LRncL

— AB (@AB84) January 2, 2019

Is it real? Well, both sides aren’t messing around.

https://twitter.com/Steel_Curtain4/status/1080192389338316800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1080192389338316800&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F247sports.com%2Fnfl%2Fpittsburgh-steelers%2FArticle%2FAntonio-Brown-unfollows-Steelers-on-social-media-127164838%2F

At his season ending press conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin sure sounded like he wanted move on from this current mess.

If we’re reading tea leaves, Antonio Brown is likely gone. Mike Tomlin said “certainly” when asked if there’s a point where talent becomes not worth it. Multiple teammates say they’re done. He’s not looking chastened in his videos & as @MikeGarafolo tells us: there’s no cap issue

— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) January 2, 2019

Where Could Brown End Up?

As you can imagine, as the carnage was unfolding, players across the league didn’t hide the fact that they would love to have Brown on their team.

I don’t know why it’s taken this long but I think it’s time for a three-way FaceTime call!!! @AB84 @LeVeonBell

— Jarvis Juice Landry (@God_Son80) January 2, 2019

As they should: since 2013, Brown’s fewest receptions in season are 101, receiving yards is 1,284 and touchdowns is 8.

That’s a career season most wide receivers dream of, and that’s been his floor during the most dominant wide receiver stretch in NFL history.

Yo @AB84 NYC will appreciate you!! #JETS

— Jamal Adams (@Prez) January 2, 2019

Of the teams listed, the Colts are flush with cap space, and boast arguably the best young core in the NFL.

Brown made additional headlines by following the 49ers on Instagram, a team that would love to gift Jimmy Garoppolo another lethal weapon to ride with George Kittle.

The two, apparently, became mutual admirers of one another on Twitter.

🤩 https://t.co/pA9fiuEX0f

— AB (@AB84) January 1, 2019

Of all teams though, doesn’t this have the Raiders written all over it?

Brown is now in his 30s, has had six epic seasons, and now Oakland, with three first-round picks this draft, are here to snatch up the best current player, rather than drafting and developing internally.

I’d almost consider that +1100 a value wager.

What’s the Best Bet Here?

There’s just one thing that trumps all the potential trade offers: Brown’s current contract.

His cap hit is $22.2 million in 2019, but is structured in such a way that a trade would still cost the Steelers a $21.1 million cap hit.

So they’d be the paying salary of a franchise player, only he would be wearing another jersey, potentially lighting it up for that other team.

I’m betting he stays.

Think it’s weird now? Wait till Brown shows up next season.