Live from Pittsburgh: Steelers make Antonio Brown very rich
After Steelers wideout Antonio Brown broke protocol and live broadcast Mike Tomlin’s “let’s beat those a-hole Patriots” speech following a divisional round win, some suggested #84 take his antics to a different market. But talent will always trump ill-advised dates with technology and Brown is oozing with it.
Brown was rewarded handsomely Monday as the Steelers made him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Brown’s extension is worth $68 million over four years. The deal includes a $19 million signing bonus.
Let’s get ring Pittsburgh!!!!! pic.twitter.com/wLXVgyDGiW
— Antonio Brown (@AntonioBrown) February 27, 2017
Brown has amassed at least 1200 yards and double digits touchdowns in each of the past three seasons. But is he truly the best receiver in football?
The debate, at least in recent months, typically boils down to Brown vs. Julio Jones. In many ways this is apples and oranges. Matt Ryan can fling it to the 6’3” Jones who almost always has a size and athleticism advantage, whereas Brown can zigzag anywhere on the field, leaving his defenders in the dust. We give Brown’s skillset an ever so slight edge only due to the lack of generational shutdown corners. But both receivers are integral to their teams.
Our Managing Editor Melissa Jacobs spoke to Brown on behalf of Sports Illustrated earlier this month. Before the interview, which was conducted on Radio Row, Brown’s agent Drew Rosenhaus hovered. The two conferred before Brown sat down with an even brighter smile than usual. Business is so boomin’
