CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Antonio Brown and the Pittsburgh Steelers appear headed for divorce, and the All-Pro wide receiver has eyes for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s tough to see Antonio Brown and the Steelers being a partnership much longer. Additionally, per Brown’s social media accounts, he clearly knows where he’d like to be next.
The 30-year-old has unfollowed the Steelers on Instagram while simultaneously following both the San Francisco 49ers and multiple players. This has an NBA feel to it, which means things are going to be petty, public and polarizing.
At this point, everybody knows about the drama following Brown this season. It all culminated in a Week 17 blowout which led to the receiver being inactive for the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, Brown decided to leave Heinz Field at halftime, causing even more of a stir. At this point, it’s impossible to see the seven-time Pro Bowler ever wearing the black and gold again.
For Pittsburgh, the situation is both untenable and a total mess. The Steelers owe Brown $60 million over the next three years. They would get out from under the last two seasons with a trade, but in 2019 eat nearly $20 million in dead cap space with a move. Still, it’s the most likely option considering the ugliness surrounding this.
As for San Francisco, the 49ers are projected to have more than $66 million in cap space for next season. Brown would immediately be the best weapon on an offense that also features Jimmy Garoppolo, Matt Breida, Jerick McKinnon, George Kittle and Marquise Goodwin. Factor in that Kyle Shanahan is running the show, and San Francisco is intriguing.
We’ll see how things shake out in the weeks and months to come, but the 49ers appear to be Brown’s preferred destination.