Jon Gruden has made his big splash.
The Raiders are reportedly acquiring star receiver Antonio Brown from the Steelers, a source told Pro Football Talk.
Per source, Antonio Brown will get a new deal as part of his trade to Oakland. — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 10, 2019
The Raiders have added a true No. 1 receiver to the pattern and a big contract to the payroll. Brown reportedly is due for a raise, according to PFT.
Per source, Antonio Brown's three-year haul will increase from $38.925 million to $50.125 million, per source. No new years will be added. — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 10, 2019
Sports
Per source, Antonio Brown's guaranteed money has gone from $0 over the next three years to $30.125M fully guaranteed. — ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 10, 2019
Brown is worth top dollar if he continues to produce at his current rate. The four-time, first-team All-Pro has at least 100 catches and 1,284 yards in each of the last six seasons and is widely considered among the NFL's truly elite targets. His work ethic is unquestioned, something head coach Jon Gruden has effusively praised in the past. He also has a bond with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, as evidenced by filmed interactions at past Pro Bowls and Brown's own post on Instagram on Saturday night.
He will instantly improve the Raiders offense and is a scheme fit for Gruden's often complex offense that requires pass catchers to learn and play every receiver position.
His relationship with the Steelers deteriorated and Brown' behavior has seemed erratic and suggests he can be a malcontent, but the Raiders haven't worried much about that when weighing whether to acquire him in trade. He's a dynamic talent entering a franchise with a strong coach who believes Brown will fit in well wearing silver and black.
He will help them win more in 2019 and should be a top receiving option for several seasons into a schedule move to Las Vegas in 2020. The Raiders had to give up draft capital to get him, meaning they'll lose a cheap young prospect for an established, soon-to-be 31-year-old.
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That's a risk for a rebuilding team with so many needs remaining in a difficult AFC West, and the move wasn't taken lightly. The Raiders weighed multiple factors and put a ceiling value on Brown's acquisition they wouldn't exceed. After analyzing a detailed pros and cons list, the Raiders ultimately decided to make a deal and bring in one of the best receivers of this generation.
