Pittsburgh Steelers give $42.5 million deal to WR Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace’s issue in limbo
Soon after moving away from the deal talks with wide receiver Mike Wallace, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed another star receiver Antonio Brown who, according to general manager Kevin Colbert, has played a significant role in the team’s
wins for the last couple of years.
Antonio had entered last season of his three-year rookie contract after being picked off the 2010 National Football League (NFL) draft and expected a new contract from the team.
A section of media while citing anonymous sources has reported the deal is worth $42.5 million and spanned over five years. Rest of the terms are unknown. The signing enables the player to focus on his game more than ever, given his prospects
are stable and brighter.
Antonio was voted Pittsburgh’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) by his teammates last season. He also got a Pro Bowl nomination, thanks to his superb performance, which enabled him to become the only player in the league history to achieve the
record of over 1,000 receiving yards and more than 1,000 (1,062) return yards at the same time. He finished just behind Mike Wallace who had 69 receptions for 1,108 yards.
The Steelers’ general manager has spoken high of the player's talent and given the credit of their victories over the past two years to his performance.
Kevin said:
“He has played a major role in our success over the past two years, and we are thrilled he will be a Steeler for many years to come."
The player himself is equally excited about the outcome of deal negotiations, hoping this should facilitate him to stay focused on his game.
Antonio said:
"I'm looking forward for him to be here, get all hands on deck, and get everybody moving in the right direction so we can embark on what we can embark on."
The progress on Brown’s deal might add frustration for Mike Wallace who is out of the side in protest of a long-term deal demand, which does not appear happening in the near future.
Now the ball is apparently in Wallace’s court, as the Steelers following his absence on opening day of their training camp on Wednesday have cut off contacts with his representative and deal talks are stalled.
The team is insisting that Wallace should show up at the camp first to see the deal negotiations restart and progress towards an amicable solution.
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