It's the time of year for players to hold out of grueling summer training camp workouts in order to get a more lucrative contract. Antonio Brown is not holding out but the Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver is itching for a new deal.
"You have to take care of your guys," Brown said after practice Sunday. "If a guy under performs, you get rid of him. If a guy over performs, you take care of him."
Brown will make $6.25 million in the fifth year of his six-year, $43 million contract. A modest number for a receiver who has an NFL-record 264 catches in the past two seasons. He currently ranks 13th at his position in base salary.
However, Brown said a new contract isn't his "focus right now," and said it's soley up to his agent. Brown added, "I'm confident in the Rooney family and the Pittsburgh Steelers to get something done. Right now, I'm concentrating on the season and working on my game, trying to get better."
The wideout is represented by Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus, who seems to be on a national tour trying to get his clients new contracts, is expected to meet with the Steelers. Brown said he is hoping to get a new deal done this year.
While he waits for a new deal, Brown is preparing for another stellar season in Pittsburgh.
"I'm a first-class guy in the relationship (with the Steelers), and the first step to getting better is showing up," he said.
Brown is regarded as the best route runner in the NFL and he's strongly in the discussion as the best wide receiver in the league. His contract doesn't add up to his contributions. Brown knows it and the Steelers should, too.
