My Oakland, soon to be Las Vegas, Raiders traded 3rd and 5th round 2019 draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wider receiver Antonio Brown.
Initial reaction, great… We’re adding a prima donna receiver and giving him more money on top of a three year contract. What could go wrong? A lot.
While no receiver of Brown’s caliber or contract length has ever been traded, I have reservations about the move putting the Raiders back into the playoff hunt.
This team needs improvement at every position, including quarterback. It’s uncertain how committed the team really is to Derek Carr. The vibes feel off however if Carr takes full advantage of Brown’s top tier talent he’ll solidify the position.
There’s a lot to breakdown here. Who won the trade? Ultimately both teams. The Steelers get off Brown’s money and personality, opening an opportunity to unquestionably feature Juju Smith-Schuster and build upon their team with more cash.
The Raiders get perhaps the best receiver in the NFL forfeiting two picks this year. I hate to see the 3rd rounder go; however, you have to give something of value.
Is a 3rd and 5th equal to Brown? No, so the Raiders paid of less value in compensation.
Adding Brown will serve as a litmus test for Carr’s future with the team. Carr’s performance was awful last season but deserves another opportunity after a year of transitioning with Jon Gruden and a sorry offensive line.
Look… This team still needs work everywhere, but this line should be better. Gruden claimed injuries dogged the line, somewhat true, yet the team reached on guys like Kolton Miller. OL coach Tom Cable did not produce results as he had in the past.
They’ve had a full season and an new off-season. There should be some improvement, enough to give Carr to throw it. If he still can’t do that it’s time to move on.
I expect Brown’s first year as a Raider to be solid to great; unfortunately, that’s where I foresee his antics replaying themselves.
If the team isn’t competing as he’s used to or Carr doesn’t throw his way lookout for drama. Carr must perform well or the organization has to hope Brown buys into Gruden’s vision…
Whatever the hell it is, and there lies my biggest concern as a fan. Gruden clearly orchestrates every aspect of football operations yet I can’t see or feel the team’s identity, culture, or what its plan(s) are.
If Antonio Brown is your foundational piece to establishing those aspects history is against us.
Perhaps times are changing. Chiefs’ receiver Tyreek Hill might get a $100 million dollar contract. Cannot deny his value to the team’s system and young QB.
Receivers historically just don’t equate to win shares, for example Odell Beckham Jr.
While it’s flashy to have Brown on my team now, certainly the biggest star we’ve had in over a decade, I worry this will mean nothing when it comes to winning games.
Disaesthetic 