Okay, I never weighed in on it because…well, because it was released late in the week when I already had all of the content for the site wrapped up….and because I didn’t believe there was any chance in hell it would happen. I thought Antonio Brown would be an Oakland Raider by now. Instead, we’re all still weighing the potential of the Tennessee Titans trading for the embattled wide receiver.
But, should they?
Shit – I don’t know. I’m just a low brow sports/humor writer. Sometimes, I play different characters in sketch comedy. I’m actually glad I don’t have to make decisions like this. But, my advice would be, like any significant decision-making process, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons. That much, I can do.
The Pros
Doesn’t he almost instantly become the greatest receiver in Titans history? I mean, at the very least, he doesn’t have to do much more than he’s already done to earn that moniker. A couple of seasons with his usual production, and he’s the guy.
He is certainly better than anything the Titans currently have in the receiving corps, and that’s not a knock on anyone they have. This is a youthful group that could use some veteran production – #84 is as elite as elite can get in terms of production. Brown’s addition could jump start the offense and really push it to the next level.
Doesn’t this help you evaluate Marcus Mariota, too? I mean, you give him Brown, Corey Davis, a backfield with Derrick Henry, and a returning Delanie Walker. You beef up the offensive line. Then, what’s the excuse if he doesn’t perform?
The Cons
The baggage is the first thing that comes to mind. To say he’s been a headache for the Steelers would be an understatement. If you were to trade for the guy, you’d do so hoping that a change in scenery would tame some of that. Mike Tomlin let a lot of stuff slide, and now he’s having to deal with the consequences of that. Plus, there’s an awful lot of people who think Ben Roethlisberger being a dick had a lot to do with Brown’s attitude. Hard to imagine Mike Vrabel putting up with too much shenanigans, and it’s also hard to imagine Mariota holding anyone other than himself accountable for the team’s shortcomings. So, it seems like the things that allowed this to happen in Pittsburgh wouldn’t be present in Nashville.
Then, there’s his age. We’ve seen receivers be productive well into their 30s, but at 31, it’s reasonable to think Brown’s best football could be behind him.
Conclusion
Hate to be like this, but it really depends upon the asking price. Call me conservative, but I think I’m content to hold on to my first round pick. But, if you can talk the Steelers down to a #2 or some combination of mid to late round picks, pull the trigger.
Brown’s presence would rejuvenate the offense and add a play-maker to it the likes of which we’ve never seen in two-tone blue. I just don’t see him being a cornerstone piece for the franchise for years to come.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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