News

Steelers Sign Antonio Brown To Five-Year, $72M Deal, Franchise-Tag Le’Veon Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers made history Monday by signing star receiver Antonio Brown to a five-year, $72 million contract that makes him the highest-paid wideout in the NFL.

Steelers Sign Antonio Brown To Four-Year Extension, Franchise-Tag Le’Veon Bell

The deal is essentially a four-year extension worth $68 million that runs through 2021, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, and includes a $19 million signing bonus. Brown, 28, had one year remaining on his current deal, which was set to pay him $4.71 million in 2017.

The move comes weeks after general manager Kevin Colbert stated the franchise wanted the All-Pro receiver to “retire as a Steeler.”

Brown tweeted the following photo Monday evening:

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

The massive $17 million annual price tag in his new contract surpasses fellow wideout A.J. Green’s $15 million average. However, Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, who is set to become a free agent soon, could top Brown’s mark.

Brown is coming off a stellar season, finishing second in the league with 106 receptions for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Since 2011, the eighth-year pro leads the league in targets, receptions and receiving yards while tying Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison with four straight campaigns of 100-plus catches in the regular season. Despite reports that some of his antics– like excessive touchdown celebrations or violating NFL rules by recording locker-room speeches from coaches or teammates– the Steters seem to have made a good decision in retaining Brown.

Earlier in the day, the Steelers also placed the franchise tag on Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell. 

One person who does not think signing Brown to an extension was a smart move by Pittsburgh is Skip Bayless. 

On Tuesday’s episode of Undisputed, Bayless and Shannon Sharpe commented on the team’s decisions regarding Brown and Bell.

“It shows they fully trust Antonio Brown, and they do not fully trust Le’Veon Bell,” said Bayless. If you look at it like this, Antonio Brown has 481 catches over the last four years – more than any other receiver during a four-year span in the about-to-be 98 year history of the National Football League.

The best ability an individual could have playing professional sports is availability. It’s more important than jumping high, running fast, and being strong. And the one thing the Steelers know is that Antonio Brown will show up for them every single Sunday.”

 PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 15:  Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a 2-point conversion during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on November 15, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

Diontae Johnson Excited To Move From Panthers To Ravens, Could Help In Playoff Push

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly settling in well with the Baltimore Ravens after the…

12 hours ago

What Happened To Aaron Judge? After Yankees Fall Short In World Series, Fans Are Asking Questions

Aaron Judge seemed to flip the script on his disastrous World Series and postseason with…

12 hours ago

As The Yankees Collapse In World Series, Free Agency Battle For Juan Soto Begins

The New York Yankees' 2024 season came to a screeching halt Wednesday night when the…

2 days ago

Dodgers Win World Series In Game 5, Yankees Blow Five-Run Lead In Disastrous Finale

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees 7-6 in Game 5 to win…

2 days ago

Brad Pitt Makes Surprise Appearance At Mexican Grand Prix To Shoot His Movie, ‘F1’

https://youtu.be/Y69VZZt9rt4 Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance at the Mexican Grand Prix’s practice round on Oct. 26.…

2 days ago

76er’s Joel Embiid Stays In NBA News Even While Not Playing

Joel Embiid’s name came up twice in NBA news this week as he continues to…

3 days ago