GM says Bills no longer pursuing trade for Antonio Brown

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) has expressed a desire to be traded.Don Wright/Associated Press/FR87040 AP via AP

The general manager of the Buffalo Bills shot down a report his team was closing in on a deal for Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown.

Brandon Beane acknowledged having discussions with the Steelers, but added that “ultimately it didn’t make sense for either side.”

“We inquired about 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. As great a player as Antonio Brown is, we have moved on and our focus is on free agency,” Beane said in a statement released by the team.

On Thursday, the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported “the deal is close to being done.”

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the deal was not completed because Brown did not want to play in Buffalo.

Brown, a 30-year-old All-Pro receiver who had104 receptions for 1,297 yards and a league-leading 15 touchdowns, has expressed his desire for the Steelers to trade him.

In nine seasons in Pittsburgh, Brown has played in 130 games, starting 103, and made 837 receptions for 11,207 yards and 74 touchdowns.