Details On Failed Bills/Steelers Antonio Brown Trade
The Antonio Brown era with the Bills didn’t last long. Shortly after it was reported that Brown was headed to Buffalo, the report turned out not to be true. It was acknowledged by all parties that there were talks between the Steelers and Bills but we didn’t know many details of what exactly happened, until now. Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News came out with a story that delved into what happened, and talks apparently broke down because of Brown’s contract. Bills brass was going back and forth with Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus, and “discussed a potential renegotiation of the receiver’s contract,” according to Carucci.
Carucci noted that the more new money the Bills gave Brown, the less compensation they were willing to give the Steelers in a trade and vice versa. Carucci shot down reports that Brown was mortally opposed to playing in Buffalo, writing that the Bills were confident that “if they met his financial demand and were able to make the trade, Brown would have happily joined them.” In the end, renegotiating Brown’s contract proved too difficult and is what ultimately led to the breakdown in talks.
- Speaking of Brown, the Bills weren’t the only team to withdraw over Brown’s contract. Another team pursuing Brown walked away because “it was communicated to them” that Brown wanted a new contract that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL with any new team, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. It was previously thought that the Steelers’ demands for a first round pick might’ve been delaying this process, but it sounds like Brown’s contract is the biggest hurdle at the moment.
Bills, Steelers Won’t Complete Antonio Brown Trade
Early Friday morning, the Bills appeared to be on the cusp of acquiring Antonio Brown from the Steelers. But, for one reason or another, the deal was scuttled. 
“We inquired on Antonio Brown on Tuesday, and kept talks open with the Steelers. We had positive discussions, but ultimately it didn’t make sense for either side,” GM Brandon Beane said in a statement. “As great a player as Antonio Brown is, we have moved on and our focus is on free agency.”
Ultimately, the deal was 86’d because Brown made it clear that he did not want to go to Buffalo, Albert Breer of The MMQB (on Twitter) hears. Now, there are “very few options left” for the Steelers/Brown, according to a source who spoke with Breer.
The Steelers hoped to move Brown by the end of the business day, but they may have to extend their timeline. At varying points, the Redskins, Raiders, and Titans were thought to be on the leaderboard, but their level of interest is unclear. Meanwhile, it’s a bit of a time sensitive matter for the Steelers – Brown is due a $2.5MM roster bonus on March 17, so they’re hoping to unload him before that date hits. They’d also probably like to trade Brown before the start of free agency in order to have a clearer picture of their own needs and finances.
The Brown sweepstakes will roll on for at least a little while longer and it could drag for months if Brown is intent on hand-picking his destination.
Steelers To Trade Antonio Brown To Bills?
The Steelers and Bills are closing in on a trade that would send Antonio Brown to Buffalo, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. However, we have conflicting word on the potential deal. No deal is imminent between the two teams, one source tells Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News (Twitter link) and another league source termed it “unlikely.” 
The Steelers have discussed a Brown deal with the Redskins, Raiders, Titans, and other clubs, but the Bills were not previously thought to be on the radar. Apparently, things heated up this week and the Bills showed intent interest in getting a deal done.
As of this writing, we don’t know whether a deal is going down for sure. We also don’t know if a deal will be done by Friday, as previously reported. A Brown-to-Buffalo trade could involve the swapping of first-round picks (the Bills own pick No. 9, Steelers have No. 20), but it’s all speculative at this point.
Brown, 31 in July, earned his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2018, finishing with 104 catches, 1,297 yards, and a league-leading 15 touchdown receptions. In Buffalo, he’d automatically bolster a WR group that is presently led by Zay Jones and Robert Foster.
Bills Interested In Daryl Williams
- Offensive tackle Daryl Williams is expected to reach the open market, and La Canfora reports Williams’ price has already “soared” above where the Panthers are comfortable paying. Both the Bills and Giants are expected to target Williams, and both connections make sense. Buffalo employs former Carolina staffer Brandon Beane as its general manager, while ex-Panthers GM Dave Gettleman is in charge in New York.
Bills Hosting TE Dwayne Allen
Free agent tight end Dwayne Allen‘s tour has continued to Buffalo, where the Bills are hosting him today, tweets Josina Anderson of ESPN.com. If Allen leaves New York without a deal in hand, he’s expected to meet with the Lions.
Allen was released last Saturday by the Patriots, but a market has quickly developed for his services. The Ravens, already flush with tight end talent, met with Allen earlier this week, while the Dolphins have also been mentioned as a possible suitor in addition to Buffalo and Detroit. Both the Dolphins and Lions employ former Patriots coordinators — Brian Flores and Matt Patricia, respectively — as head coaches, while former New England staffer Brian Daboll is Buffalo’s offensive play-caller.
Allen, 29, was once a relatively prolific receiving tight end during his run with the Colts, topping 50 targets and 25 reception in three of his five Indianapolis campaigns. Since being traded to the Patriots prior to the 2017 season, however, Allen has essentially become a sixth offensive lineman. In his two years in New England, Allen has managed only 26 total targets, and 22 of those looks came during his debut season with the Patriots. In 2018, Allen played 438 offensive snaps, but ran a route on only 128 of those plays.
The Bills are devoid of established talent at the tight end position, having released their only experienced player at the position — Charles Clay — earlier this year. At present, Buffalo has only Jason Croom under contract, while fellow tight end Logan Thomas is a restricted free agent.
Bills Meet With CB Kevin Johnson
Cornerback Kevin Johnson will visit with the Bills on Wednesday, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora (via Twitter). Johnson became a free agent earlier this week when the Texans released him from his contract. 
[RELATED: Bills Interested In TE Dwayne Allen]
Johnson, 27 in August, was due $9.069MM on his fifth-year option, which was guaranteed for injury only. His 2018 season was pretty much lost due to concussions, but the fact the Texans were able to release him is an indication that he is now healthy. The 2015 first-round pick is probably a candidate for a one-year prove-it deal to reestablish his value, whether it’s with the Bills or any other club.
The Bills have two starting cornerbacks in Tre’Davious White and Levi Wallace, but the Bills are looking into additional support. Armed with $77MM+ in cap space, the Bills should be able to make a veteran upgrade.
Bills Sign Jordan Phillips To Extension
The Bills signed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to a one-year contract extension worth $4.5MM, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The new deal will give Phillips a sizable bump over his $1.029MM base salary from one year ago. 
Phillips, 27 in September, managed to get his career back on track after an ugly exit from Miami. The Dolphins cut Phillips on in October, days after he blew up on the sidelines due to his lack of playing time. They first attempted to trade Phillips first, but they were unable to find a suitable deal. The Bills used their waiver priority to snag him, beating out the Steelers, Patriots, and Saints.
The former second-round pick started most of his games in 2016 and 2017, but was relegated to a reserve role last year in Miami. Upon joining the Bills, Phillips managed 19 tackles and three passes defensed, though he graded out as the 108th ranked defensive tackle in the NFL on the entire year out of 112 qualified players, per Pro Football Focus.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/4/19
Here are today’s restricted free agent and exclusive-rights free agent tender decisions, with the list being updated throughout the day:
ERFAs
Tendered:
- Bills: DE Eddie Yarbrough
- Jets: RB De’Angelo Henderson (via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, on Twitter)
Non-Tendered:
- Bills: P Matt Darr
RFAs
Non-Tendered:
- Browns: DB Briean Boddy-Calhoun (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com)
Four Teams Interested In Dwayne Allen
A market is already starting to take shape for Dwayne Allen. The Ravens, Bills, Dolphins, and Lions all have interest in meeting with the tight end, according to Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (on Twitter). 
Over the weekend, the Patriots parted ways with the 29-year-old, making him immediately available. The Patriots are open to bringing him back at a cheaper rate, but they might not get that opportunity given the early interest he is receiving.
Allen was set to enter the final year of his contract in 2019 with a base salary of $6.4MM. By cutting him, the Pats saved about $7.3MM in cap room, boosting their total cap space to roughly $25MM.
Allen spent the first six seasons of his career with the Colts before being dealt to the Patriots in 2017. After having compiled at least 350 receiving yards in three of his five healthy seasons, the 2012 third-rounder didn’t play as much of a role in the offense in New England.
In 29 games (16 starts), Allen only hauled in 13 receptions for 113 yards and one score. Allen also appeared in each of the Patriots’ six playoff games during that span, but he didn’t record a reception in those contests. While Allen has earned some recent praise for his blocking prowess, Pro Football Focus ranked him just 65th among 70 eligible tight ends in 2018.
Bills Seeking Slot Help?
- On the subject of receivers, the Bills may not feel the need to chase big-ticket wideout options. Brandon Beane has said their offense can survive without a surefire No. 1 wideout, but the third-year GM may be looking for a new slot receiver, per Joe Buscaglia of WKBW.com. Broncos castoff Isaiah McKenzie saw time there toward the end of last season. Buffalo has one of the least inspiring receiving corps at this point. It would be a surprise if the Bills did not make attempts to augment their receiver situation in free agency and the draft.