Top 5 Best Fantasy Landing Spots for Antonio Brown

The following was contributed by NFLTalkingHeads.com.

The No. 1 story this offseason has been the growing fracture of the relationship between Antonio Brown and the Steelers. The star wide receiver has requested a trade, and at this point, it is only a matter of when he will be moved, not if. This will be a move with massive fantasy implications. Antonio Brown has been one of the top fantasy receivers for what seems likes forever. Brown has posted six consecutive seasons with 100+ receptions, 1,200-plus receiving yards and 8-plus touchdown receptions. He has certainly benefited from his chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger and the downfield, aggressive passive offense in Pittsburg and it hard to imagine him at this stage in his career taking his talents anywhere else and playing in any other uniform than the black and yellow. 

Obviously, it is inevitable that Brown’s fantasy value will take a hit if he is traded and plays next season in a different uniform, for a different QB and in a new offense. There are, however, a few trade destinations for Brown that make a lot of sense and would help keep his stature as an elite fantasy receiver intact. The two main factors I used to put this list together is; 1) It has to at least be somewhat realistic. For example, this immediately disqualifies the New England Patriots and in division rival Baltimore Ravens — they aren’t trading him to either place.  2) The team with a good offense already, and a capable quarterback — this immediately disqualifies teams like the Titans, Redskins, Cardinals. Let’s get to the list. 

1. Indianapolis Colts

This would be the dream destination for a potential Antonio Brown owner. First of all, the Colts already have a really good offense that is seemingly one major piece away from being a juggernaut. In 2018 Luck had the second most pass attempts of any QB last season (Ben Roethlisberger) and the Colts 2-5 receivers were: Zach Pascal, Dontrelle Inman, Chester Rogers, and Ryan Grant. Second of all, Eric Ebron led the Colts in receiving touchdowns last season with 13 TD’s. It is hard to imagine he repeats that TD production and a lot of those could easily go to Brown. This trade is also extremely realistic in my opinion because the Colts have more cap space than any other team so they could easily absorb Brown’s contract.  They also are in a position to win right away and could view Brown as someone that makes them a legit Super Bowl contender.

2. Green Bay Packers

The case for Brown to the Packers is pretty simple: They have Aaron Rodgers and it is hard not to get excited of the fantasy upside of pairing Rodgers with someone like Brown. Rodgers will turn 36 during the 2019 season so it is now or never for him and the Packers. With Brown turning 31 in July, the timelines match up as they are both entering the back end of their primes and perhaps the twilight years of their career. Outside of Davante Adams, the Packers really don’t have another consistently productive option in the passing game. Adams and Brown would forge a lethal receiving combo and would make the Packers, on paper, the most dangerous passing offense in the NFL. 

3. San Francisco 49ers 

This makes a lot of sense for a few reasons. It checks a lot of boxes in terms of it being a realistic option. The 49ers have over $60 million in cap space, are in the NFC and are a team that seems to be on the rise. They have a good, young, offensive-minded head coach in Kyle Shannahan and a good young quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo, but lack any real difference makes outside of Tight End, George Kittle. There aren’t too many better fantasy options for Brown when you consider the head coach, the quarterback and the number of targets that would be available on day one.

4. Oakland Raiders

This one isn’t as big of a slam dunk as the other ones, but it is still a destination that I think makes sense. With the departure of Amari Cooper, and the failed Martavis Bryant experiment, the Raiders are desperate for a stud WR. Derek Carr is still a capable passer, and the Raiders have over $70 million in cap space to play with.  Brown’s usage rate would be through the roof in Jon Gruden’s offense, and as a much better version of Amari Cooper, I think Brown easily puts up 80+ receptions, 1,000+ receiving yards and 8+ touchdowns. 

5. Detroit Lions

This is probably the least realistic because the Lions have just over $30 million in cap space and already have Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay on their depth chart, but I think this would be a great fit. For all of Matthew Stafford’s flaws, he is always able to generate enough fantasy production for his WR’s. From the Calvin Johnson years to the Golden Tate years and the emergence of second-year receiver Kenny Golladay, he always finds a way to help his receivers put up numbers. If Golden Tate and put up four consecutive 90+ catch seasons in Detroit, what would Antonio Brown be able to do?

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