Antonio Brown Calls Steelers, Bills Trade Report 'Fake News' (UPDATE)

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted that the teams were "closing in on a deal" that would send Brown to Buffalo.

Antonio Brown
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Image via Getty/Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire

Antonio Brown

UPDATE 3/8/19: Per Bills GM Brandon Beane, the move ultimately "didn't make sense for either side." Insiders now say Brown and the Steelers have limited options left.

See original story below.

The Steelers and Bills are reportedly working on a deal that will send Antonio Brown to Buffalo; however, the 30-year-old athlete called the report "fake news."

AB Instagram

NFL Networks' Ian Rapaport tweeted the news Thursday night, just days after trade talks began heating up. It was reported that the disgruntled wide receiver was expected to be traded by the end of the week, with the Redskins, Raiders, and Titans showing the most interest in acquiring Brown.

While several teams had leapt to the forefront — the #Raiders, the #Redskins, the #Titans — the #Bills were stealth. There are things to work out, but Buffalo is on its way to getting AB. And they do have a need at WR. https://t.co/JWgQuIZr71

It's no secret that AB's relationship with the Steelers has recently been rocky, as he's had conflicts with franchise QB Ben Roethlisberger as well as head coach Mike Tomlin. Earlier this month, Brown boldly claimed that he would walk away from professional football if the Steelers—or any other franchise—refused to meet his terms.

"I don't even have to play football if I don’t want. I don’t even need the game. I don't need to prove nothing to anyone," he told ESPN. "If they wanna play, they going to play by my rules. If not, I don't need to play. Obviously, I want the game, but I don't need the game. It's a difference."

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