Steelers' Antonio Brown's Alarming Behavior Was Always There, Even Before The Vontaze Burfict Hit: "AB Has Been AB"

The Pittsburgh Steelers experienced quite the roller coaster regarding the career of former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. On the field, Brown was a part of the incredibly productive trio that included himself, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell. The temperamental star made some highlight-worthy plays, but also took plenty of hard hits that many see as the reason for his attitude and public actions. However, one former Steelers' player doesn't agree with that assessment of the situation.

Arthur Moats played with Brown from 2014 to 2017 after spending the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. On Sunday, Moats had a segment on The Arthur Moats Experience with Deke Podcast, where he answered questions from listeners. One of the first he responded to was about Brown and whether the devastating hit that he took from Vontaze Burfict is what has caused him to act out in a very polarizing way. While many connect that brutal blow from Burfict to Brown's actions, Moats sees it in a very different way.

"Man, people blame the hit because it's low-hanging fruit. They think that is the simplest way to justify something that they don't really understand... What I would say is this, man, knowing AB as a teammate for four seasons, pre-hit and still being a teammate with him post-hit, no, I do not feel like there was any change in his behavior stemming directly from that hit versus Vontaze Burfict. Absolutely not. AB has been AB. It's just, publicly, he's showing people a little bit, you know, more than what they had been privy to before, and I think that has caught a lot of people off guard... Nah, I don't directly put that hit on AB and say, 'Oh yeah, this is the direct reason as to why his actions are what they are' because, if that's the case, there would be a lot more NFL players acting the way that he acts."

The question that Moats answered regarding Brown was referring to an interview the former receiver gave on the PBD Podcast in 2022 that became quite heated when the Burfict moment was brought up. While Moats understands how such a violent hit, plus Brown's current state of mind, could lead people to see one as causing the other, the former NFL linebacker has the experience to give his perspective.

Brown produced at a ridiculously high level during his time with the Steelers. From 2011 to 2018, Brown was one of the NFL's brightest stars, but despite sustained offensive excellence, the Steelers could never turn it into a championship. The closest Brown got to a Lombardi with the Steelers was Super Bowl XLV, when Pittsburgh lost to the Green Bay Packers. His time in black and gold came to a sudden and unceremonious end with a trade to the then-Oakland Raiders.

Steelers Need A Veteran WR In 2024

While the days of Brown scampering all over NFL defenses may be done, the Steelers know that they have to bring in some real experience at receiver ahead of the 2024 season. The position group of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin III may have talent, but it is a young room that needs some leadership. Not to mention, Johnson could be traded.

The release of veteran receiver Allen Robinson II meant that, for all the potential on the roster, the Steelers' top pass catchers don't have anyone with more than five years of NFL experience. Omar Khan has shown that he is not afraid to spend money to bring in talent. New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith could certainly use an established receiver with plenty of perspective to offer once the 2024 season gets underway.

If the Steelers feel any of the experienced receivers could bring another level to Pittsburgh's offense, they have options in free agency that could mentor the talent already on the roster. Curtis Samuel has more years in the league than any receiver the Steelers currently have, and at 27 years old, he could become a long-term solution if it works out better than expected. If Samuel sees the Steelers as a legitimate landing spot, it could benefit both parties to see how 2024 goes.

While the Steelers aren't likely to chase any big names or break the bank for players like Odell Beckham Jr., someone like Tyler Boyd could be an intriguing option. Boyd has been consistent for the Cincinnati Bengals, and going into his 10th NFL season, he brings the experience Pittsburgh desires. When the 2024 season begins, the Steelers want a veteran receiver on the roster; it just depends on who they feel will be the best fit.

What veteran receiver would you want the Steelers to sign for the 2024 season? 

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