Antonio Brown Fueling 49ers Trade Rumors

Is Antonio Brown headed to the West Coast? There's good reason to believe so.

Recent reports indicated that the wide receiver had requested a trade from the Steelers. The news arrived just a day after he missed Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, and on the heels of his purported altercation with Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben addressed the incident during his weekly KDKA-FM radio show Tuesday, claiming Brown has not returned text or calls from him or his teammates.

"I called and texted and reached out numerous times and tried to find out what going on," Roethlisberger said, "But I really couldn’t get any answers."

Though Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said Brown has not formally requested a trade, the Steelers star is leading fans to believe he's eyeing the 49ers. The 30-year-old athlete sparked speculation Monday, when he had a brief Twitter exchange with San Francisco's George Kittle.

Fans have also noticed that Brown has recently started following 49ers players on Twitter and 49ers-related Instagram accounts. He also liked a photo NinersNation photo that featured him in a 49ers uniform.

Brown seemingly addressed his potential trade via Twitter on Wednesday, writing: "My options may seem limited by people or circumstances. It is then that I remind myself I am in command of my attitude. I am divinely blessed with free will. I utilize that gift, choosing to take charge of my life."

Again, Brown's trade to the 49ers has not been confirmed; but it seems more and more likely as the days go by. Brown is expected to address the reports during an "exclusive interview" with former former Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

Stay tuned.