The Steelers were seemingly holding out for a high, if not first round draft pick as compensation for trading away Antonio Brown, until of course the Raiders were able to work out a deal by sending a mere 3rd and 5th rounder for arguably the best WR in football.
Though many thought with Browns antics, combined with his age and salary demands, there were just simply no better offers out there, but it appears as if the Patriots had one.
New England, a familiar foe of the Steelers, reportedly had their offer of a 2nd and 4th rounder declined from Pittsburgh.
Via Ian Rapoport on NFL Network “ “Here’s an interesting thing that went down in the Antonio Brown chase, The Patriots offered the Steelers a 2nd round pick and a 4th round pick for Antonio Brown but the Steelers wanted no part in doing a trade with them” Wow
— Tom Brady#40yrsoldSZN (@TstanGoa) March 11, 2019
Although not taking the best offer possible for one of your best players seems illogical, keeping a weapon like Antonio Brown away from the team in your division who’s made it to eight straight AFC Championship games seems sensical.
The decision is also aided that the Raiders are picking near the top of the 3rd round while the Patriots are at the end of the 2nd, (same applying for the 4th and 4th round picks), making for the disparity between picks not too far.
Perhaps the Patriots should have thrown in a free “spa day” for Steelers management.
