Antonio Brown will not be going to Buffalo. Bills general manager Brandon Beane made the news clear in a statement released earlier today (March 8).
After hours of intense speculation, Beane acknowledged "positive discussions" had taken place over a trade for the wide receiver but "it didn't make sense for either side. As great as a player Antonio Brown is, we have moved on and our focus is on free agency".
Beane's statement is a complete reversal of reports that Brown was on his way to western New York, first reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. According to Rapaport, Brown would not commit to showing up in Buffalo which made the Bills pull out of the deal.
News of the trade initially shocked the NFL world, with many commentators questioning whether Brown would play for a team perceived to be rebuilding. Concerns surfaced over Brown's recent Ben Roethlisberger comments and whether the 30-year-old would mesh with Buffalo's young quarterback, Josh Allen. It seemed that wasn't the case, with CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora stating "Brown was unwilling to go to Buffalo, period".
The trade's breakdown puts Pittsburgh and Brown in a precarious position. The star wide receiver's value had already suffered because of public outbursts all off-season, but this latest development further affects whether team's will want to acquire such a vocal player.
The saga continues despite this crazy twist.
COVER PHOTO: USA Today
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