Philadelphia Eagles debate table: Can an Antonio Brown trade actually happen?
It appears the Antonio Brown trade rumors are never going to die, but can the Philadelphia Eagles truly pull off a deal? Should they even try?
It’s been a while since we, at ITI, gave you our feelings on a proposed trade for what may soon be former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown. We also understand the idea that, while we may be opposed to the idea for several reasons (chemistry, dysfunction, and salary cap issues), some of you are excited by the prospect of adding what may be the NFL‘s best receiver to the Philadelphia Eagles roster.
Just imagine Carson Wentz with the option of throwing to Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, Dallas Goedert, Nelson Agholor or Brown. It does make the imagination cut back flips. There’s just one really large issue.
With all we’ve said about the financial issues, can Philly pull of a trade and make the numbers work? It appears there may be a possibility.
The Brown-to-Philly rumors have come up a time or two. As have the rumors of the Eagles adding pretty much any highly-touted free agent or former Eagle who may have found his way into trade discussions. Just this week, a story by ESPN senior writer Mike Sando stated Philadelphia was one of the possible realistic destinations for ‘A.B’.
light. Related Story. 3 Reasons not to trade for Antonio Brown
You might ask how that’s possible when Philly’s supposed to have all of these financial constraints and Brown’s the second-highest paid receiver in the entire NFL behind Odell Beckham Jr. According to Spotrac, ‘A.B.’ is scheduled to make over $22 million in 2019, followed by $18.3 million in 2020 and $19.5 million in 2021.
There’s a potential ‘out’ in the deal prior to 2021, and some of the money isn’t guaranteed. That means the team trading for him might be able to re-work a deal. Still, Philly needs more than just help at the wide receiver position. Yes, it’s a concern, but the linebacker, running back, and defensive line units all need bodies. The same can be said for the offensive line.
Next. A letter to Chris Maragos (that he may never read). dark
Does Philly need to clear up space just so they can invest a ton of money into one player, even if it is A.B.? It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened. We’ll all have to wait and see what takes place. Regardless of what Philly can spend and what they can’t, don’t think for a second that Eagles executive vice president of football operations Howie Rosmean isn’t considering it.