A four-year, $68 million extension went to Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide-out Antonio Brown. That makes him the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. This deal comes with a $19 million signing bonus plus $18.5 million in the first three years of the contract. His fourth year, into 2021, he’ll earn $12.5 million.
There’s without a doubt he is the best receiver in the game currently. Brown is up there with the greats such as Jerry Rice. He is one of the many reasons the Steelers have had continued success.
LOOK CLOSELY AT THE WHAT IFS
Taking a step back and examining Pittsburgh and their decision to give Brown the $68 million; it could’ve been used in other aspects for the team. Antonio Brown deserved to get paid, but the money could have been distributed evenly among the offense and defense. 
The total remaining amount of $72.7 million spent on Brown needed to be used for a possible pass rusher and the secondary. Each season James Harrison attempts to prove why he can still be a great player and pass rusher, but he’s still not getting any younger at 39 years old. Pittsburgh’s secondary has allowed 259 yards per game on average to receivers on the opposing team. That money should’ve been used in one of those categories.
Offensively, the Steelers are fine. As many say quarterbacks make receivers as great as they can be. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can make things happen along with running back Le’Veon Bell in the backfield.
Some have completely forgotten about Martavis Bryant. He was suspended since the 2016 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. What if, just what if, Bryant can stay out of trouble? Two gigantic weapons on both sides of the offense could create some serious damage as we’ve seen before. Even without Brown, there’s still wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey who can help push the Steelers down the field offensively.
NEED BROWN TO WIN?
With all the focus being on Brown, is it safe to say the Steelers feel they can’t progress without him? Look back at the recent AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots where an injured Bell left only receiving corps as dependable. Patriots’ defense managed to keep Brown strapped down not allowing him to score, which meant other players needed to step up and make pivotal plays. It didn’t happen.
The one-sided pass rush from the Steelers didn’t stop Tom Brady from scorching their secondary and making his way to the Super Bowl. Prime example again of where that money needed to go. Defense wins games and offense sells tickets.
Antonio Brown earned that money hands down, but what are you saying to the rest of the team who works just as hard. Are you saying that to be Super Bowl contenders and dominate the AFC you must keep Brown and you can’t succeed without him? If that’s so, then ladies and gentlemen prepare for more twerking and fines in the end zone.
