Should the Detroit Lions trade for Antonio Brown?
The Detroit Lions certainly need to acquire big-time talents. But with a roster full of holes, is trading for disgruntled receiver Antonio Brown the right move?
As the NFL playoff race is now down to four teams, the Detroit Lions need to start down the road towards their own NFC championship appearance. Hopefully, that appearance will materialize within the next two years, but the work starts now.
Over the past few weeks, disgruntled wide receiver Antonio Brown has created plenty of chatter throughout NFL media coverage. It is unlikely that Brown suits up again for the Pittsburgh Steelers, although until he is traded anything is possible. And one of the feasible landing spots for Brown has been Detroit. So, the question is: Should the Lions acquire Antonio Brown?
THE POSITIVES
Brown did star at Central Michigan University. So, if he were traded to the Detroit Lions, it would be somewhat of a homecoming. This change of scenery might be good for him, as he would certainly be embraced by the fan base.
If Brown is traded, there is a big misconception about how much he is owed on his contract. For Pittsburgh, there is the issue of salary cap bonuses and dead money that make trading Antonio prohibitive.
Brown’s last contract averaged $17 million per year. But teams that trade for him would not pay that steep of a price. On Friday’s “Tiki and Tierney” radio program (01-11-19), Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports explained exactly where Antonio Brown’s contract currently sits:
"“It’s a very trade-able contract. It’s thirty-nine million dollars for three years. I mean, thirteen a year. To be able to rent him at thirteen a year, I mean, that’s chump change.”"
That really is a reasonable amount for such a great player. Brown’s statistics really outweigh a contract of just $13 million per. La Canfora continued:
"“I mean, look, say what you want about the guy. He has fifteen touchdowns this year. He catches a hundred balls every year. Like fourteen-hundred yards is a down year for him.”"
The production is immense with Brown. It is so tempting to bring that kind of production into an offense that struggled so much this season. But is it the right move?