Antonio Brown doesn’t just want to get out of Pittsburgh.
He wants to get paid.
At least, that’s been his most recent indication. Brown went on a relatively length Instagram Live video last night, running on his treadmill while discussing his future. Again, he’s taking the “I’m a free agent approach,” imploring other teams to contact him.
Brown also signaled the desire for “guaranteed money” from his new team, repeating that line several times.
That would signal a new contract from whatever city he ends up in next. Compared to where the position is at now, Brown is on a relatively friendly deal. The total value of his current contract is now just eighth of all receivers, he’s no longer the highest paid wideout in the game – that goes to Odell Beckham Jr. – and he has the eighth lowest percentage of contract guarantees of the top ten richest receivers in football.
Brown has three years left on the mega-contract he signed in February 2017. For his base salary, he’s set to earn $12.65 million in 2019, $11.3 in 2020, and $12.5 in 2021.
It’ll be another hurdle for the Steelers to clear in trying to trade him. Not only does any new suitor have to deal with his off-field antics, league investigations, and general attitude problems, they’ll have to reward him with a new contract in the process.
Add all that up and you have Pittsburgh working without much leverage. Brown continues to make it clear he no longer considers himself a member of the Steelers – his current contract says otherwise, obviously – and wants out as quickly as possible. As we’ve said before, and many in the media believe this too, if Pittsburgh can get a second round pick for him, it’ll be considered a success.
