:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53444713/usa_today_9839043.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers made their intentions known from the start of the offseason. Signing wide receiver Antonio Brown to an extension was a priority. They have wasted little time trying to get a deal done, and the latest report states the team is trying to get a new contract finalized before March 9th, the start of NFL Free Agency.
#Steelers & reps for WR Antonio Brown are making significant progress toward a big-$ extension, sources say, with the goal of a deal by 3/9.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2017
The timing of the report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network makes sense. Brown’s new deal will likely be the biggest sticking point for the team when it comes to what they can, and cannot, do in free agency.
If the Steelers sell the proverbial farm to give Brown a new contract, it would handcuff who the team could potentially target in free agency to help fill any number of voids the organization might have heading into the 2017-2018 season.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story, as well as others surrounding the black and gold this offseason.