Ron Cook believes that the Steelers should trade Brown -- for financial reasons

… is he right? 

Last week, I noted that the Steelers should try to trade top receiver Antonio Brown to the Cleveland Browns for their number 1 pick in the 2017 draft.

And then draft a QB.

Some questioned my sanity.

Now, they may be questioning that of Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook, who also proposes that they trade Brown, albeit for a different rationale.

In short, Cook argues that Brown has worn out his welcome with the Steelers and that they cannot afford him under the salary cap.

"But the salary-cap issue with Brown is an even bigger concern. The Steelers are going to have to pay big money to keep Le’Veon Bell, presumably by putting their franchise tag on him for next season. They also need to invest heavily in Stephon Tuitt, whose contract expires after next season. I just can’t justify giving a receiver quarterback-like money or even running back-like money. I don’t care how good he is," according to postgazette.com.

Brown is in the last year of his contract, and the Steelers would need to give him somewhere between $35 to $45 million in a new contract, according to Cook.

The columnist then lists the reasons that the Steelers should not re-sign him.

"Now, the three top reasons the Steelers should at least look into trading Brown before he goes into the final year of his contract next season: He will turn 29 in July and easily could break down or slow down by the time his new long-term deal ends. He has caused so many distractions with his silly, look-at-me antics that more than a few of his teammates are tired of it. It’s silly to give so much money to a receiver who touches the ball just seven or eight times a game when that money could go to making the team stronger at another position or two," Cook said.

He is not wrong on any of those. The Facebook Live video after the Kansas City win alienated Coach Mike Tomlin, who has previously supported Brown despite his other antics.

Cook shaky on other ground

Here is where I think that Cook is not as credible. He argues this, "The Steelers have a chance to have a strong receiving group next season even if Brown is moved."

Not sure about that.

He said that with Martavis Bryant apparently returning, along with "Sammie Coates, Eli Rogers, Ladarius Green, Jesse James and perhaps a rookie taken high in the 2017 draft," the Steelers will not miss Brown.

Bryant is dealing with a serious drug problem that goes beyond his used of weed. He is superbly talented, but just unreliable.

Sammie Coates has the drops, though Cook notes that he had injuries to his hand that exacerbated that situation. He demonstrated some great potential earlier in the season, and if he comes along, then that would be positive. If …

Cook also correctly notes that Brown was a sixth-round pick. Teams can find players like that, but it more luck than good management.

Should give money to Bell

Cook is right that the Steelers should focus their attention on Bell, who has had his own problems. They need to re-sign him, and if they do, then the salary cap becomes a problem for Brown.

At worst, Cook notes, they could do nothing and have Bell for another season.

True, but I agree that it could be some good trade bait, as long as they receive a number 1 pick in the draft.

Otherwise, let him play out his contract, and he will be 30 when that happens.

Overall, good analysis by Cook.