The mammoth contract extensions garnered by receivers Dez Bryant and TY Hilton this offseason did not escape Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown's notice. After the Dallas Cowboys handed Bryant a five-year, $70 million deal and the Indianapolis Colts came to a six-year, $66.5 million agreement with Hilton, Brown has decided he's no longer happy with the team-friendly, five-year, $41.96 million pact he signed in 2012. While Brown has made it clear that he wants an upgrade on his deal, even going so far as to threaten a holdout, what hasn't been made clear is just what kind of deal he wants. According to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Brown is looking at the Bryant and Hilton deals as a negotiation starting point.
Per Cole, Brown's desire for a new deal has gotten stronger and has been "fueled" by the new deals for Bryant, Hilton and Denver Broncos wideout Demaryius Thomas. Unfortunately, as has been reported previously, the Broncos are reticent to rework Brown's contract as he's signed through the 2017 season with base salaries of $6 million, $8.25 million and $8.71 million. For a player who just last season paced the league with 129 receptions, 1,698 yards and 13 touchdowns.
While the team is unlikely to rip up Brown's current deal, Cole suggests that they're "quietly listening" on possible contract renegotiations. Of course, if they were to agree to any new deal for Brown, it'd have to be long-term and allow the team control of the receiver, likely for the majority of the remainder of his career.
Another factor which could be affecting the Steelers willingness to work with Brown is the big developmental steps taken by fellow Steelers wideout Martavis Bryant this offseason. With Bryant looking like a future star and running back Le'Veon Bell assured of a majority of touches, Brown may not have much leverage on the Steelers brass.
