I HOPE we are in the same boat with Wheaton and Bryant in the future, that would mean they became some of the best players at their positions. As of right now tho, that's just a dream. Brown is in the argument for BEST WR IN THE NFL TODAY! Wheaton isn't even the best #2 WR on our team, and Bryant has had one (not even full) year of success. Lets see those two put together a three year run like Brown has before we start talking about a similar situation happening with them in the future. BTW, those two are still on their ROOKIE deals which are scaled according to their draft slot. Apples to oranges in comparing them to Brown's situation.
AB is not in a losing situation. Anyone that thinks that we can just plug Bryant or Wheaton into his spot and not skip a beat on offense is just dreaming. Brown holds the cards here, he's a HUGE part of this offense and making it go. He got a great deal THREE years ago, but that's according to you and some other fans. It's not according to market value, which he is underpaid. Like I said before, look at the total guaranteed money, not the overall size of the contract. His contract numbers pale in comparison to his counterparts, which he has outplayed consistently. You might consider it No 1 WR money, but being paid the 14th highest in total, with only 20% guaranteed with players like Cobb, Nelson, Wallace, Cruz, Jennings, etc making more is an insult. Torrey Smith signed a deal barely 1m less than Browns deal, tell me they compare in any way shape or form. The market is set, and Brown is underpaid.
Great post.. others can't ask for anything if they aren't producing as the best at their position like Brown is. Only Bell is producing like that. He is in line for a new deal anyway when his rookie deal is over. Brown has had a run only Jerry Rice can compare too. Both sides took a risk with Browns deal. The Steelers saw something and Brown saw more money. The Steelers didn't see this type of production though. No One did. Pay him. Maybe not this year but next year. Brown and his agent are just setting the table for future talks.