Each offseason, the NFL network polls the league’s players in order to put together a list of the top 100 players in the NFL. When the top 10 players from that list were finally announced earlier this month, two wide receivers were selected in that elite group; the Lions Calvin Johnson at number six, and the Steelers Antonio Brown at number eight.
Two other wideouts, the Cowboys Dez Bryant and the Broncos Demaryius Thomas, were also among the top 25 players; listed at No. 15 and No. 20, respectively. The quartet of Johnson, Brown, Bryant and Thomas usually are among the first names mentioned when it comes to the very best of the league’s wideouts.
With the news that Bryant and Thomas both signed long-term extensions that would place them behind only Johnson as the highest paid at their position, one now has to wonder how much longer it will be until Brown looks for new, comparable deal.
After all, regardless of any made for TV rankings, Brown’s incredible back-to-back seasons might just be enough to make the case that he is the best wide receiver in the NFL.
This might also mean that despite of having two years remaining on a five-year, $42.5 million contract signed in 2012, Brown may be looking for a new deal that will place him near the very top in the league at his position.
Considering the level of play the past two seasons for Brown, it’s understandable that he would desire a new contract. Last season Brown produced one of the greatest seasons in NFL history by a receiver, catching 129 passes for 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns and was named first team All-Pro. Add to the fact that Brown just turned 27 last week, and it might not be whether or not Brown deserves a new deal, but when will he get it?
According to Over The Cap, Brown’s current deal places him 12th among the highest paid receivers, and well behind the five-year, $70 million extensions signed by Bryant and Thomas yesterday. He’s also paid less than former Steeler and current Minnesota Viking Mike Wallace, who the Steelers let walk in favor of extending Brown.
A wise choice indeed. Though Wallace put up respectable numbers in two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, his numbers pale in comparison to those of Brown. Yet, it’s Wallace who’s $60 million contract that places just behind Johnson, Bryant, and Thomas as the fourth highest paid receiver in the game.
There’s definitely something wrong with this picture.
Unfortunately for Brown, it looks unlikely that the Steelers would negotiate a new contract considering he still has two years remaining on his current deal. However, the case could certainly be made that the Steelers being proactive and extending Brown now might make sense, along with guaranteeing Ben Roethlisberger will have his favorite target in black and gold the remainder of his own contract, which expires in 2019.
Would a contract offer that would pay Brown similar money to Bryant and Thomas be enough? Tough to tell, but there is also a risk that if the Steelers continue to wait that another season comparable to Brown’s last two, and his demands might skyrocket.
The Steelers will likely have to wait to negotiate a new contract with Brown with numerous salary cap considerations ahead. With the announcement last night that defensive end Cameron Heyward signed a six-year, $59.25 million extension, and a lucrative new contract potentially in the works for David DeCastro within the next year, the Steelers will have very little cap space.
That does not mean that the Steelers won’t have to strongly consider working on a new deal sooner than later for Brown, and Steeler fans should expect negotiations to start as early as next off season.
