Antonio Brown's fallout with the Pittsburgh Steelers' situation will be one of the most intriguing stories of the off-season, as the Pro-Bowl wide receiver is seemingly looking to force his way out of town.
Steelers owner Art Rooney has even told reporters that it's "hard to envision" the five-time All-Pro receiver being a member of the team come next season. With that, comes news that AB is reportedly hoping for a trade to San Francisco.
During Monday's appearance on 95.7 The Game, 49ers legend Jerry Rice said he spoke with Brown on FaceTime, and relayed the following message: "He wants to come here really bad."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Niners are one of four teams possibly interested in a trade for Brown, along with the Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts.
Brown, 30, finished the 2018 season with 104 catches for 1,297 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns. He's still under contract with the Steelers through 2021, but that hasn't stopped him from flirting with the Niners on social media.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters during his final press conference of the season that Brown had not asked for a trade, despite what others have said.
"We take his lack of presence ... as something very significant and will be handled appropriately so," Tomlin said. "... Not going to speculate on trade and haven't been formally asked [by Brown to seek a deal]."
However, some of AB's teammates believe the relationship is beyond repair and that Brown's days in Pittsburgh are coming to an end. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Brown wants out because he feels that Tomlin is "too aligned" with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.