It’s a given that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown deserves a raise. He’s among the most-productive receivers in the NFL.
However, Brown’s current contract is not doing him any favors. He has two years left on the five-year, $42.5 million extension he signed back in 2012.
Having been outspoken about wanting a new deal, Brown’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Steelers are reportedly discussing a potential extension.
“Antonio Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus and Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert have been in communication over the wide receiver’s contract situation,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Thursday.
Though, it must be noted that Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert remained steadfast in his team’s philosophy of not negotiating a long-term deal until a player is in the final year of his contract.
“We believe in our philosophy,” Colbert said last week. “I don’t see that changing, but I’ll never address a player individually.”
In terms of Brown’s level play, he surely is underpaid compared to other elite-level wide receivers. The Pro Bowler earns an average of $8.4 million per season.
That must be difficult to digest with the likes of A.J. Green, Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant and Julio Jones all making between $14-15 million per.
Brown is taking the high road regarding his situation and is not planning any type of holdout. Though, he did have this to say about a new deal.
“You have to take care of your guys. If a guy underperforms, you get rid of him. If a guy over-performs, you take care of him.”
Not only did Brown perform at a high level last season, he put up some ridiculous numbers, catching 136 passes for 1,834 yards and 10 scores. As long as the receiver remains healthy, he should be on course for another outstanding season.
Brown will eventually get paid. And in reality, a meeting between his agent and the Steelers seems to be a step in the right direction.