The Pittsburgh Steelers and Antonio Brown want to reconcile, FanSided has learned. However, there is much work to be done for that to happen.
We may not have seen the last of Antonio Brown in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. On Thursday, a source with knowledge of the situation told FanSided that Brown and the Steelers want to reconcile their differences after an ugly ending to the 2018 season.
Brown, 30, remains on an extremely team-friendly deal of three years and $39 million. While tension spiraled between Brown and the team, leading to him being inactive for the final game of the season, there’s mutual interest in getting back on good terms. Head coach Mike Tomlin remains fond of Brown and wants him back on the team, despite the five-time All-Pro’s issues throughout the past season. Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not return a message from FanSided seeking comment.
As for Brown, he has largely enjoyed his time with Pittsburgh and likely realizes he won’t go to another team with as much offensive talent as resides in the Steel City.
With Ben Roethlisberger nearing the end of his career, the Steelers are hoping to smooth things over in order to have another run at a championship.
Still, the unrest has opened up the possibility that the Steelers will listen to offers that, in the past, would have been dismissed out of hand. Pittsburgh believes it has an emerging superstar with impeccable character in JuJu Smith-Schuster. Combined with its ability to develop receivers better than any other team in football, moving Brown for a bounty of draft picks isn’t out of the question.
On the field, Brown still put forth another fantastic year despite all the drama. Brown totaled 104 catches for 1.297 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning him Pro Bowl honors for the sixth consecutive campaign.
With the new league year now beginning March 13, there’s time for the relationship between Brown and the Steelers to either mend or fray further. For now, though, both parties are interested in a future together.