Antonio Brown has dominated the NFL rumor mill since long before his messy departure from the New England Patriots, but he’s far from the league’s only disgruntled star. With the NFL trade deadline just three weeks away, will high-profile names like Stefon Diggs, Jalen Ramsey, and Melvin Gordon successfully force their way out of the franchises that drafted them?
2019: The Season of the Unhappy NFL Star
Jacksonville Jaguars star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has turned down multiple lucrative contracts and has been looking for a ticket out of Florida.
Melvin Gordon, the Los Angeles Chargers running back, skipped training camp and held out to try and get an improved deal. This was unsuccessful – and expensive – and he is now back on the roster.
The Minnesota Vikings have been struggling to get going on offense this year, with wide receiver Stefon Diggs visibly showing frustration in numerous games this season. He has skipped practice and is potentially looking for a move out of Minnesota.
NFL players have more leverage than they used to, but playing hardball with their teams remains a risky gambit. Potential trade partners will need to consider how these potentially disruptive players could fit into their own rosters.
Latest NFL Trade Rumors as Oct. 29 Deadline Looms
With the Oct. 29 trade deadline looming, it could make or break for these unhappy NFL players. Here are the latest rumors about their trade prospects.
Melvin Gordon
Gordon has ended his holdout and is back playing with the Chargers. After not partaking in preseason camp, the running back looked rusty in his first game back.
When melvin gordon wants 14 mil a year but rushes for 31 yards #Chargers @Chargers pic.twitter.com/9LylWVVV9M
— ᎪᏃ_ᏴϴᏞͲᏀᎪΝᏀ ⚡🌵⚡🌵 (@BOLTGANG_TAY) October 7, 2019
If the Chargers do decide to move him, the Buffalo Bills could be a solid destination.
Jalen Ramsey
The Jaguars have been trying to keep Ramsey on the team, reportedly turning down two first-round draft picks in the process. The Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chargers are all showing interest in Ramsey.
Whichever team gets him will pay dearly, as he will want to be one of the highest-paid corners in the game, with the Jaguars wanting at least two first-round picks to boot.
Stefon Diggs
For Diggs, a number of teams have been floated as possible destinations, with the Patriots looking the tastiest of the potential options.
https://twitter.com/LighthousePats/status/1179806854626648064
Antonio Brown Rumors: Will Anyone Take the Gamble?
And then there’s the question of All-Pro talent Antonio Brown, who remains a free agent.
After a turbulent season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown leveraged a trade to the Oakland Raiders, only to force his way out of California and sign with the Patriots. He recorded one excellent performance before he was cut amid a burgeoning sexual assault scandal.
.@AdamSchefter says the Patriots' release of Antonio Brown could be "a kiss of death." pic.twitter.com/Ngl2XRmyD2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 20, 2019
Whatever team goes for Brown will be taking a gamble. While there is no doubting that he is one of the best wide receivers in the game, the sideshow that comes along with this won’t be worth the hassle for most teams.
Looks like #AntonioBrown’s training for another chance in the #NFL…👀
Would YOU want him in your team❓👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/UU2laK6MHU— 935 KDAY (@935KDAY) October 7, 2019
Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, says his client wants to play again this season.
It's unfortunate things didn't work out with the Patriots. But Antonio is healthy and is looking forward to his next opportunity in the NFL. He wants to play the game he loves and he hopes to play for another team soon.
— Drew Rosenhaus (@RosenhausSports) September 20, 2019
Some of the teams possibly interested include the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers tried to sign Brown before he went to the Raiders.
The Cincinnati Bengals also have a track record of giving players second chances. Star receiver AJ Green is still on the sidelines in what has been an injury-disrupted few seasons.
Will any team grow desperate enough to bet on Brown?