Hypothetical: What if the Buffalo Bills actually traded for Antonio Brown?
By Avery Duncan
Repercussions
The most significant difference with Antonio Brown on the Bills is that the team has a true No. 1 receiver. The addition doesn’t make too much of a difference in free agency. The only major exception is the lack of John Brown; outside of him, the team adds a slot receiver, bolsters the line, and adds depth across the board — the same as before.
However, the draft is mightily shaken up with Mr. Big Chest (Brown’s self-proclaimed nickname) as a Bill. Because I chose the compensation to be a first-round pick swap, the draft class doesn’t feature a trade up for Cody Ford or drafting of Ed Oliver. The players chosen go as follow:
- Andre Dillard – OT
- David Montgomery – RB
- Chase Winovich – DE
- Dawson Knox – TE
- Vosean Joseph – LB
- KeeSean Johnson – WR
- Jaquan Johnson – S
- Dontavious Russell – DT
- Tommy Sweeney – TE
Though the class doesn’t feature the high-end talent that the actual one does, there is substantial potential across the board. As for the roster build, the Bills have given Josh Allen a legitimate star receiver, the same offensive line as they have now with a new capable starter and a running back that could start week one.
Next. Bills RB Frank Gore doesn’t appear to be considering retirement. dark
So, here is the question: is the Bills roster better or worse with a Brown trade done? Consider the depth chart they currently have, then consider this fictional one, which would you prefer? Include Brown’s antics in the discussion and the lack of Oliver and others. Either way, it’s interesting to see the potential difference one trade can make.