In an offseason filled with player turnover on the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers offense has been a bastion of stability. After locking up Ben Roethlisberger to a long-term contract and bringing in running back DeAngelo Williams to back up Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers’ offense seemed to be set going into the 2015 season.
Now, that may all be in question. All-pro wide receiver Antonio Brown has decided that he wants a new contract and will not attend offseason workouts, according to a report by Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports. Furthermore, he is considering a holdout from this summer’s minicamp and training camp.
Steelers WR Antonio Brown seeking new deal. Won't attend offseason workouts, mulling holdout from minicamp, training camp, sources say.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 20, 2015
Brown, 26, just completed his fifth season in Pittsburgh. He led all NFL receivers with 129 receptions and 1698 yards, as well as leading the Steelers with 13 receiving touchdowns.
Brown signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension in July of 2012 that included an $8.5 million signing bonus. He is scheduled to make $6 million in 2015, $8.25 million in 2016 and $8.71 million in 2017. Player agent Drew Rosenhaus is Brown’s representative in contract negotiations.
Two of the top free agent wide receivers this offseason, Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos and Dez Bryant of the Dallas Cowboys, signed one-year franchise player offers for $12.7 million. The highest paid free agent signing was Jeremy Maclin, who went from Philadelphia to Kansas City on a five-year, $55 million deal.
Brown will not face discipline for missing the team’s offseason workouts, which are technically optional, but widely attended. If he were to hold out through minicamp or training camp, he could be fined or disciplined by the team.
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