The Oakland Raiders have a plethora of additional draft picks over the next two years as a result of their trades involving Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, and they seem to be thinking about using some of that draft capital to acquire one of the best wide receivers in football.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Tuesday that the Raiders are “the team to watch” in the Antonio Brown trade talks. They are one of several teams that have been linked to the All-Pro receiver, and Rapoport says Oakland has shown the most interest and wants to have a “big offseason.”
From @gmfb: As trade talks continue for #Steelers WR Antonio Brown, the interest is real. And while there are others talking with Pittsburgh, the #Raiders are one team continually staying in the mix. pic.twitter.com/qwvOnjDuKo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2019
Brown reportedly had his sights set on joining a specific NFC team, but they are not believed to be in the mix. While the Steelers would prefer to trade him out of the AFC, they also want the best deal possible. Considering the Raiders have three first-round picks this year, it would be easy to envision them being the team that offered it.
The Raiders don’t really have a big-play receiver now that Cooper is gone, so Brown would fill a big need. He’s said he wants to play for a contender, but he doesn’t have the ability to choose where he goes. Recall that the Raiders acquired Martavis Bryant in a trade with the Steelers last offseason, so Gruden has dealt with Pittsburgh’s front office in the past.
