[Preds]

The Predators anayltics department has advised team Owner & General Manager Mike SantaLucia to DECLINE Antonio Brown, however... they DON'T have final say.

Coming off 3 straight top 5 finishes, and back to back seasons as the #1 WR in the Frenzy, if any player has earned the leagues top contract it would be Antonio. However, the analytics show that it is extremely unlikely he can repeat as the #1 WR for the 3rd straight year. In fact they even support that it would be more likely than not that he finishes outside the top 5 WRs. Matching the Swords offer that makes Brown the leagues #1 paid player comes with significant risk. A match will hamper the Preds ability to be active with other RFA's and UFA's. That said, they do have cap space to match, and even a small amount to fill out the remainder of their squad and perhaps add a value prospect or two. So do they match, or do they decline?

When the Preds returned to the Frenzy in 2012 they slyly targeted the relatively unknown 3rd round draft pick from 2011 via a trade with SBDC that sent RB Jonathon Stewart their way in exchange for the young WR on a cheap 3 year contract. Antonio went on to lead the Preds to their 2013 championship, and has been the leagues #1 and most consistent WR the last 2 years.

Ownership is pleased to announce that after thorough discussions with Antonio Brown and his representatives, and intensive review of the analytics, the team has made the decision to IGNORE the analytics and reward their franchise player with a well-earned contract.

As such, the Predators will officially MATCH the Swords 2,950 cb contract offer to Antonio and he will return to Buffalo and the Parkwood Predators for a 5th season. Welcome home Antonio!

BTW a side note, the Opihi's declination of WR Allen Hurns gave the Preds the surety of locking up the 3rd WR in their starting lineup. That win certainly played a part in this decision. Who knew that would play a key role in the decision making!