Raiders Land Wideout

It's been a long and crazy last few months trying to figure this whole situation out. It was clear to all that Antonio Brown had had enough and wanted out of the Steel City. He seemed to have worn out his welcome, becoming very unhappy with what was going on with him and the Steelers. It got so bad, he actually walked out on the team the final day of the season last year. The only question now was, where was Brown going to end up? That answer was found in the form of the Oakland Raiders. Oakland landed Brown, who then handed him a deal that will pay out $50.125 million over the next three seasons, and that his guaranteed cash has gone from $0 to $30.125 million. All Oakland gave up a third- and a fifth-round pick.

The way things ended in Pittsburgh could have left a bad taste in the Steelers mouth. Brown threw a fit in a standoff with Ben Roethlisberger in the week leading up to a crucial Week 17 game, skipped meetings and walkthroughs and reportedly left that Sunday game at halftime when he wasn’t going to see the field. His attitude had gotten him in hot water in Pittsburgh, which I don't think that the Steelers are so upset about losing. They had good runs with him, as he twice lead the NFL in receiving yards while it Pittsburgh. He still put up solid numbers last year, with 104 catches, 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns. Those catches and receiving yards finished second on the team to JuJu Smith-Schuster.

What I think stuck in Brown's head was it was a lack of respect from Pittsburgh in that they were throwing to JuJu more than they were him and he wasn't very happy with that fact. Brown is considered one of the top wide outs in all of football, and for good reason. He's got all the talent in the world, I just wonder about his attitude. But with this deal, both the Steelers and Raiders could come out to be winners.

Pittsburgh knows they have a solid target still in JuJu to throw to, so they don't really loose too much with Brown gone. Plus, the Steelers don't have to worry about dealing with AB's headache inducing antics. As for Oakland, they get a big plus out of this as well. Their top wide receiver last season was Jordy Nelson, who had just 63 catches for 739 yards. So Oakland lands a major weapon.

I am a little worried about how Brown and head coach John Gruden are going to clash, if Brown's attitude starts to possibly starts to sour like it did in Pittsburgh. I think, though, the change of scenery could be really good for Brown. He's got a new place to play, a new system to work with, and a new fanbase to try and win over. So Brown has a new place to play and the Steelers can move on without him.