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Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown demands trade, puts Patriots’ 2018 offseason in proper context

The New England Patriots’ 2018 offseason was filled with rumors and speculation. After the team’s defeat in Super Bowl 52, there were questions about Tom Brady’s and Bill Belichick’s commitment, Rob Gronkowski’s future with the club, and the virtual benching of Malcolm Butler ahead of the title game. Add some big free agency and coaching losses and you have yourself a tumultuous offseason — at least on the surface.

For most of the past two decades, the team was one of New England’s main rivals for the AFC crown and as well run an organization as any in the NFL.