Word early on Monday was that the Steelers and wide receiver Antonio Brown were making good progress toward an agreement on a new contract.
They’ve found that agreement. Brown has shared a picture on Twitter captioned “Steelers for life” with what looks like a contract in agent Drew Rosenhaus’ hand. The Steelers announced that it is a five-year deal.
PFT has learned, via a league source, that it is a four-year extension to Brown’s current deal that is worth up to $68 million. He’ll make $17 million a year over those four years and $18.5 million a year over the first three years, which is more than Calvin Johnson received in his last deal with the Lions and more than any other wideout in the league is making on their current deals.
Brown’s spot at the top of the list of best-paid receivers isn’t surprising given how much he has produced for the Steelers. He’s caught at least 106 passes for 1,284 yards in each of the last four seasons while catching 43 touchdowns.
The Steelers have other irons in the fire -- they used the franchise tag on running back Le’Veon Bell Monday -- but that didn’t stop them from locking up their best receiver well ahead of the end of his current contract.