Antonio Brown Contract: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Steelers WR

Tyler ConwayApr 20, 2015

By many measures, Antonio Brown was the best receiver in football last season. If recent reports are any indication, he wants the Pittsburgh Steelers to start paying him like it.

Continue for updates.

Brown 'Ready to Play Football'

Tuesday, May 26

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN provided comments from Brown, who spoke about Pittsburgh and the Steelers organization:

"
This is a community that I love. My kids go to school here. I want to keep a good reputation. Obviously money's not important to me. I've got enough. The organization has extremely blessed me. I'm ready to play football.
"

When asked about contract talks with the Steelers, Brown told reporters that it was "not my business to discuss," according to Fowler. Fowler also reported that Brown said he's not holding out, and plans to attend training camp.

On April 27, Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 reported that Brown still wants a new deal from the Steelers but is "taking a different approach."

Brown is heading into the third year of a five-year, $41.96 million extension he signed in 2012. He is due a $6 million base salary and counts for $9.78 million against the Steelers' salary cap next season. Among wide receivers, his guaranteed remaining cash ($8.5 million) ranks 28th, on par with Seattle's Doug Baldwin and less than the likes of Chicago's Eddie Royal, Arizona's Michael Floyd and Cleveland's Dwayne Bowe.

Given Brown's production in 2014, one can understand why he is looking for a raise. The Central Michigan product led the NFL in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698) while making his third Pro Bowl in the last four seasons. Football Outsiders' DYAR metric ranked him the best receiver in football, as did Pro Football Focus' overall grades.

That said, Brown will have to contend with Pittsburgh's status as one of the league's toughest contract negotiators.

We'll have to see if Brown is the exception to the rule.

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All contract info via Spotrac.