San Francisco 49ers: Should Antonio Brown Be a Top Priority?
Image: New York Post/ Getty Images
There’s a lot of drama surrounding Antonio Brown. This has led many to believe a trade is imminent. If the Steelers decide to part ways with the All-Pro WR, the San Francisco 49ers are the perfect landing spot.
It’s been a long and tumultuous season for San Francisco. Losing starting QB, Jimmy Garopollo, to injury was the nail in the coffin. Thankfully, he’s not out next year. The 49ers have the potential to be great. Adding Brown gives them a dangerous set of skill position players. This includes George Kittle.
George Kittle is the 49ers star TE. On the season, Kittle amassed 1,377 yards, the most at his position. With him being the top target for Jimmy G., San Francisco has one dynamic difference maker on the roster. It’s Kittle who’s leading the charge for Brown to come to the 49ers. The two exchanged a few tweets, and there seems to be interest on both sides.
In addition to Kittle at TE, Brown would form a WR group with Dante Pettis, Pierre Garcon, and Kendrick Bourne. While none of these names are sexy, they’ve all had relative success with backup QB’s, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens. By adding Brown and the returning Garopollo, the offense will improve upon their numbers from last season.
It might seem a bit unlikely, but, the 49ers ranked 16th in yards per game for the 2018 campaign. This is without Garopollo most of the year and the play of backup QB’s. Antonio Brown has had seasons of 100+ receptions. He’ll make the difference in a playoff run for San Francisco. You’re talking about going from the 16th ranked offense to a potential top-10.
Brown hasn’t shown signs of slowing down, even at the age of 30. He’ll bring the same playmaking ability to 49ers. Pittsburgh will miss him, that’s for sure. You can make the case that his play had as much of an effect on the Steelers than any other player on the roster.
Offensive potential aside, Antonio Brown hasn’t been the ideal teammate this season. You’d like to believe that teammates and coaches in Pittsburgh are the catalyst for that. It’s unlikely Brown continues his diva ways with San Fransisco. Although, it’s still something to watch for, especially if he’s not getting the reps he desires.
We are talking about Antonio Brown and Jimmy Garopollo as a QB/WR duo. That should strike fear in the hearts of many. A move like this would make the 49ers a playoff team, assuming everyone stays healthy.The NFC West is a dangerous division. San Francisco needs to make a move like this to compete against the LA’s and Seattle’s.
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
