Steelers give Antonio Brown $4 million raise in 2016 with much bigger bump on the way
Antonio Brown got his raise after all — and a commitment to talk about a much bigger one after this season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed Wednesday to restructure Brown’s contract, moving up $4 million in base salary from 2017 to this year. The superstar receiver will now make $10.25 million in 2016, a person with knowledge of the deal told Paste BN Sports.
In turn, Brown’s salary for 2017 drops to $4.71 million. But the Steelers have committed to discussing a long-term extension before then, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because contract details were to remain private.
The Steelers had balked at adjusting Brown’s deal because of organizational policy against renegotiating with multiple years remaining. But this is the second straight year they’ve bent the rules for Brown, 28, who also got a pay bump last August, from $6 million to $8 million.
There’s little question Brown is worth it. He’s one of the game's most dangerous playmakers, with three consecutive seasons with at least 110 catches. He tied for the NFL lead last season with 136 catches, was second in receiving yards (1,834) and scored 10 touchdowns. His 265 receptions since 2014 are the most ever in a two-season span.
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