Antonio Brown reportedly hasn’t ruled out return to Steelers

Heading to ATL for @SuperBowl, the future of #Steelers WR Antonio Brown remains the dominant non-SB story. Where things stand: While a fresh start is now the preferred outcome, the team has not yet given Brown & his agent permission to facilitate a trade. It’s in the team’s hands

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2019

Antonio Brown has been making the case for a move to the West Coast, and he hasn’t been all that subtle about it. But according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Brown is also not ready to rule out a return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Sunday morning, Rapoport noted that a fresh start is desired but that the Steelers have not given Brown and his representation permission to seek out another team for a trade.

However, he noted that “Brown hasn’t closed the door on returning. He’s maintained a steady dialogue with some in the organization he’s close with to express that sentiment. Still, he should draw significant interest on the market.”

Recently, Brown appeared to try mending fences a bit with his Steelers teammates. Steelers owner Art Rooney II also seemed to be more open to Brown’s return than he previously indicated.

A player of his caliber isn’t to be discarded lightly. Brown has thrived on the field during his tenure in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers offense has thrived as well. The big issue, of course, is that he and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have big beef. And that’s really the sticking point.

If Big Ben and AB can work out their differences, then Brown should stay in Pittsburgh. If there’s going to be some lingering enmity, he should be traded.