Trade interest for Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown heats up

As more teams call to inquire on the asking price for disgruntled wide receiver Antonio Brown, the Pittsburgh Steelers say they are considering all trade partners – even rivals from the AFC North.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that a growing number of potential trade partners have stepped forward. He added that although the Steelers still would prefer not to face Brown twice in the regular season, Pittsburgh might be willing to make an exception for the right price.

“The less you would play him, the better, but if an (AFC North) team comes through with the best compensation, you have to balance that out,” Colbert said, according to ESPN. “We’re going to play him twice a year, but we’re going to get the best compensation. … You have to weigh that into the discussions. We haven’t eliminated anybody.”

The statement would appear to be a clear sign to the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns that if they are interested, they better present an eye-popping trade package.

The Steelers haven’t said what offers they’ve received for Brown, 30. But Colbert did indicate that the trade market for Brown has grown as the NFL heads toward the start of its league year in March.

Colbert even indicated Wednesday that the Steelers still could keep Brown on the roster if an ideal trade scenario doesn’t present itself, even though Brown himself has said that it is time for him to move on.

“We will only make a trade if it benefits the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Colbert said. “He knows that. His representation knows that. That’s been clearly explained, and we’re willing to take a look. If there’s something that can be done to benefit both sides, great. If not, then we’ll deal with that when we get to it. Anything we do has to benefit us. If it doesn’t, then it won’t.”

After a loss to the Broncos on Thanksgiving weekend, Roethlisberger suggested that had Brown run a different route, it would have helped the team. Brown’s issues with Roethlisberger seemed to grow through the final month of the season until he was suspended for the final game of the year, reportedly for having a heated argument with his quarterback and throwing a football in his direction.

–Field Level Media