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:

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)