Odds Heavily Against Antonio Brown Retiring Before 2019 NFL Season
- Antonio Brown has demanded a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Brown signed a $68 million extension with the Steelers in 2017 but wants a new deal once traded
- Brown had 104 receptions, 1,297 yards receiving and 15 TD last year
Trying to figure out what will happen with Antonio Brown is a tough task.
The Raiders were listed as the favorites for his services but there are many other options that could play out, including a new intriguing option that may sound crazy, but is worth a look.
Odds Antonio Brown Retires From NFL
| Will Antonio Brown Retire Before The 2019 Regular Season? | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yes | +750 |
| No | +2000 |
*Odds taken March 8
Is it possible there is value in betting Yes? Here’s the case why Brown could walk away and how there’s absolutely value in the bet at +750.
Trade to Bills Falls Through
Thursday night word broke that it appeared Brown was headed to the Buffalo Bills.
Sources: The #Steelers are closing in on a deal to send star WR Antonio Brown to the Buffalo #Bills. There it is.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2019
Fans and media were sent into a frenzy after this report from Ian Rapoprt, which ultimately ended up being incorrect.
Did he jump the gun or is it possible Brown got wind of the move to Buffalo and threatened to quit football altogether if the deal were completed?
Bills GM says team won’t complete trade for Antonio Brown: "We have moved on and our focus is on free agency", per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/qmVKUc1urm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 8, 2019
Brown took to twitter calling the report fake news, but that also could have been him trying to throw water on the possibility he’d end up in Buffalo.
He’s made it clear he prefers San Francisco but the question remains, why would the Steelers care about making him happy? Brown seems content with burning every possible bridge on the way out the door, so is it impossible Pittsburgh would ignore his desires?
Shrinking Market Causing Problems
One possible outcome is the Steelers eventually give up, cut Brown and move on to the new era of Steelers football.
Another other is they take limited compensation and trade him to a team that may not be his first choice, but one he’d be happy enough moving to.
The third option would be Brown getting fed up and moving on from football entirely, and as each day goes by, that once crazy suggestion because a little less crazy.
From @gmfb: The #Bills neared a trade last night for WR Antonio Brown, who would not commit to showing up in Buffalo. The organization did speak with agent Drew Rosenhaus. This morning, Buffalo says they are out, amid uncertainty. Steelers are square one again. pic.twitter.com/d4suLfaVWP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2019
Brown has looked unsettled in media interviews and his attitude is increasingly becoming something teams are shying away from.
If the Buffalo rumor is true and he indeed refuse to go there, that could cause other teams to back off as well. He is pushing teams away with the belief he has leverage, when in fact he doesn’t have any at all.
Brown said quite clearly he doesn’t need football and may be forced to consider the option of retirement if things don’t quickly change in this saga.
Is it likely he realizes his career is in jeopardy and eventually smartens up? Probably.
But at -2000 that option is worth ignoring in favor of the bet that provides massive value. Betting on an unpredictable wide receiver to quit football if he doesn’t get his way, well, it wouldn’t be that big of a surprise now, would it?
PICK: YES (+750)
Ryan has been working at TSN for over eleven years, and is now a lead writer and content producer at That's Hockey. Over the years, he's launched and hosted TSN's first NCAAF podcast, The College Football Show, and been featured on the likes of TSN 1050, Sportscentre, and That's Hockey 2Nite.
