Assessing each team's chances of landing Antonio Brown
Seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown wants out of Pittsburgh, and Steelers owner Art Rooney apparently agrees that it's time to move on from the drama-filled star.
We've evaluated the likelihood of each team going after - and ultimately landing - "Mr. Big Chest."
Slam-dunk suitorsNew York Jets: The Jets are in position to make a splash this offseason, and the team needs playmakers around Sam Darnold to expedite the young quarterback's development. New York will likely factor into the Le'Veon Bell sweepstakes, too, and a reunion of the two ex-Steelers is possible.
Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers isn't getting younger, and the Packers boast ample draft capital, allowing them to swing for the fences in a win-now trade. Brian Gutekunst vowed to be more aggressive after taking over as general manager last year.
San Francisco 49ers: Brown has asked former 49ers star Terrell Owens about living in the Bay Area. San Francisco also has lots of cap space ($76 million) and a glaring hole at receiver. After investing plenty in quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, the Niners need to surround him with the best supporting cast possible.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have been one of the NFL's most fiscally responsible teams in recent years, but they're faced with a unique opportunity to acquire a player of Brown's caliber. For far too long, the talent drop-off at receiver after T.Y. Hilton in Indy has been massive.
Seattle Seahawks: It's no secret that Pete Carroll believes in letting players be themselves, no matter how large their personalities become. The Seahawks need more offensive threats if they want to seriously challenge in the powerhouse-filled NFC.
Secondary contenders
Tim Warner / Getty Images Sport / GettyHouston Texans: The thought of DeAndre Hopkins and Brown on the same team should be enough for the Texans to submit a legitimate offer, even if there are more pressing issues elsewhere on the roster.
Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota needs a No. 1 receiver, and Tennessee needs to figure out how far its quarterback can push the franchise.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders can use their four picks in the top 35 in the upcoming draft as trade bait. The team needs star power when it moves to Las Vegas in 2020, and we know how much Jon Gruden loves veterans.
Buffalo Bills: No team is more desperate for receiver help than the Bills, though Brown may not be eager to move to Buffalo.
Arizona Cardinals: Brown would help new head coach Kliff Kingsbury install his Air Raid offense. However, the last-place Cards in 2018 likely wouldn't part with one of their top draft picks.
Carolina Panthers: The Panthers are going to get Cam Newton some help one of these years, right?
Dark horses
MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images / Digital First Media / GettyLos Angeles Rams: The NFC champs are stacked at wide receiver, but we've seen the Rams make numerous moves while trying to capitalize on their Super Bowl window. Nothing is off the table.
Philadelphia Eagles: With three picks in the top 57 and a bold general manager, Philadelphia could see Brown as the perfect target for Carson Wentz.
Los Angeles Chargers: Anthony Lynn's squad possesses the resources, cap space, and talented roster to make a Brown trade work. Don't overlook the Chargers.
Washington Redskins: When it comes to shocking transactions, never count out Daniel Synder. Washington's receiving corps could certainly use some star power.
Detroit Lions: Things need to change in Detroit. The Lions haven't won a playoff game since 1991, and pairing Brown with Kenny Golladay would be an important step in the effort to clear that hurdle.
Chicago Bears: Chicago lacks cap space, but the Bears could make moves to free up money. The team will likely go all-in while Mitchell Trubisky is playing under his rookie deal.
Highly unlikely
Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / GettyNew Orleans Saints: You never know with Sean Payton in charge, but the Saints are tight against the cap after investing heavily at wide receiver.
Atlanta Falcons: Ripe with elite talent at wideout and set to spend on their defense, the fit with the Falcons isn't strong.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville is over the projected salary cap and desperate for an upgrade at quarterback. Adding Brown won't be high on Tom Coughlin's to-do list.
Miami Dolphins: Miami loves to make bold moves, but acquiring a soon-to-be 31-year-old doesn't align with the plans of a rebuilding team looking ahead to 2020.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bruce Arians called Brown a "diva," and Tampa is loaded at receiver. A reunion between Brown and Arians, the former Steelers offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, doesn't appear likely.
Minnesota Vikings: Mike Zimmer's cap-crunched team features two top-tier receivers, making it unlikely you'll see Brown donning purple and gold in 2019.
Denver Broncos: Joe Flacco is in the fold, but John Elway is still thinking long term. The team should focus on other priorities before adding a veteran pass-catcher.
No chance
Maddie Meyer / Getty Images Sport / GettyNew England Patriots: The Steelers would let hell freeze over before sending their best player to a bitter rival that's been to eight straight AFC title games.
New York Giants: The Odell Beckham Jr. trade talk will have some wondering if the Giants can replace one star wideout with another. But if drama makes the Giants consider giving away a talent like OBJ, it's fair to assume Brown wouldn't be an option.
Dallas Cowboys: Dallas is already in cap trouble as it looks to work out extensions for DeMarcus Lawrence, Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Amari Cooper.
Kansas City Chiefs: While adding Brown to the Chiefs would be fun, Kansas City just paid Sammy Watkins, and soon the front office needs to lock up Tyreek Hill. All other resources this offseason should be used to shore up an ugly defense.
Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals: A trade within the division isn't happening under any circumstance.
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