More drama on the Antonio Brown front. The Steelers asked the disgruntled wide receiver to delay his $2.5MM roster bonus, which is slated for March 17 and set to be paid in installments throughout next season. However, Brown declined, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports.
The Steelers want to delay the bonus for cap purposes, per Florio, who adds they may well be expecting Brown’s next team to actually pay this bonus rather than them. However, if Brown is still on Pittsburgh’s roster by St. Patrick’s Day, the $2.5MM goes against the Steelers’ cap.
Brown declining could be expected, given his actions this offseason. He tweeted he and the Steelers agreed a trade would be best for all parties, and Kevin Colbert said that will, indeed, be the goal, though only if it benefits the team. Having played with future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger throughout his career, Brown understandably wants to land with a team that employs a quality quarterback. He also seeks a new contract, but Florio notes the mercurial wideout has not ruled out agreeing to play for another team without having a new deal in place. In that case, Brown would expect a new contract to be agreed to before the season.
The Steelers will have to eat $21MM-plus in dead money with this trade, but that number rises to north of $23MM after March 17. They currently hold $16.3MM in cap space. A source told Florio the payment of this $2.5MM bonus would become a point of contention between the Steelers and other teams during trade talks. Brown is under the impression his bonus will arrive March 17.
“Why wouldn’t they not trade me? They gotta pay me $2.5MM on March 17,” Brown said, via ESPN.com’s Jeff Darlington. “If I invoice you March 17, $2.5MM that you gotta pay me, would you pay it or would you get somebody else to pay it? So it’s what — pretty much what’s good for their business.”
Despite Brown being at the center of the drama that has unfolded in Pittsburgh this offseason, he does not believe this unraveling is his fault. again appearing to cite Roethlisberger’s November criticism of his play as a reason this situation fell apart.
“I don’t take any blame,” Brown said, via Darlington. “I just think I took responsibility for my situation. You know, I didn’t point the finger; I didn’t make no one look bad; I didn’t throw no stones at anyone.”
This has gotten to be quite the complex rift, though Brown has fired most of the salvos. After the practice incident before Week 17, Brown skipped meetings and walkthroughs and ignored Mike Tomlin‘s attempts to reach him before attempting to suit up against the Bengals only to be denied that opportunity. Brown told Darlington that Tomlin told him to “go home” during the lead-up to Week 17 after informing the coach he was sore. This differs from Tomlin’s explanation of the events.
Brown also told Darlington he and Roethlisberger did not work out independently during offseasons and believes the relationships he had with Big Ben and Steelers brass should have be more substantial than they are.
“Criticism really is a part of the job, you know what I’m saying? I answer criticism with achievement,” Brown said. “But, you know, and the professional level is, like, yo, like, if I’m your guy, make me know I’m your guy. But don’t say I’m your guy and then point the finger. Don’t say I’m your guy and then don’t throw me the ball the whole first quarter.
“I would’ve liked for me and Ben to be cool. You know what I mean? I thought we was cool. But when I think … I’ve been to his house one time. He’s been to my house one time. You know what I mean? We don’t work out in the offseason. You think that’s winning? That’s not winning.”
The Jets, Raiders, Redskins and Titans have been the teams now connected to Brown. Prior to the Combine, the 49ers were on the radar. They may re-emerge, but not much has transpired on this front as of late.
This guy is a clown
Insert Cl and remove Br and you have Clown
Agreed …. Brown said. “But, you know, and the professional level is, like, yo, like, if I’m your guy”
Isn’t this a bit oxymoronic? Yo, like, professional level like yo?
For not delaying his bonus? Why would he even consider that?
Can’t wait til this guy is off the team.
Addition by subtraction… Gonna be glorious when Ben gets ring #3 while Brown and Bell combine for zero…
AB
A…. B…
AB is a b.
a B….
proof read much ?
That’s actually just how AB speaks
Best thing the Steelers could do for Brown is keep him.
I agree and keep him on the bench
Or sell drinks in the stands
I’d trade him for nothing if it meant clearing 2.5 mil in cap.
Guy is the definition of a clown. Can’t believe anyone wants him.
Brown is easily the best receiver in the game and it is a shame that Brown and the Steelers can’t work this out. All he wants is better communication, more respect, more say in the game plans, and an apology. These are all solvable. And why the Steelers keep treating him like crap in the press is disheartening.
And yes, Brown is being a diva but underneath it all he has excellent points and that’s what matters – correcting those points.
is this a joke or are you saying give him the team so he doesn’t cry?
Seriously. The reason that prima donna is the brat that he is, is because he’s been coddled by every coach and team he’s played for since he was a kid. How would more coddling serve anything?
they’d have the best WR in the game on their team yet..?
How many players can Little Ben drive off. He is the real clown of the Steelers.
When you have 2 Super Bowl titles and none with brown or Bell he can drive them off
Lmao you right all he needed was Holmes, Ward, Farrior, Harrison, and Polamalu to win. Tell me what other multi Super Bowl champ ran out a great RB and WR… I’ll wait. Let’s not forget the Steelers won Ben’s first Super Bowl in spite of his play that game.
Tell me something I haven’t heard. QB is by far without a doubt the most important position in the game. You go as far as the qb goes. Since 2002 I think, it’s been Brady, Manning, or Ben in the super bowl for the afc, other than flacco for a year. And Ben ran out Bell? And how did Holmes and Wallace do when they left? It’s pretty difficult to produce when you don’t have a good qb. Larry Fitzgerald, who’s one of the most respected guys in the league is warning Antonio about what he’s wishing for. He’ll find out how good he had it once he ends up with a qb who’ll be out of the league in 3 years throwing him passes. You comment on every Steelers article to bash Ben, and act like Antonio and Bell are these great character guys that just want what’s best for the team. We get you don’t like roethlisberger
The raiders in 2003 but yeah
So, all he needed was a bunch of guys who aren’t siding w/ AB right now?
Ur an idiot if you don’t think Ben was a main component of them making it to Detroit.
Sure they had a nasty D, but Ben’s play was just as important..
Just because u watched one game in the Superbowl, doesn’t mean Steelers fans didn’t watch him all year.
Ben makes these wideouts. Then they go elsewhere n do squat.
Same will happen with Brown. Can’t wait to see him deal with Derek Carf
9/21 121yds 2INT’s. The worst game statistically by a QB in SB history. His job was NOT to lose it and let Defense dominate, yet he still almost lost it. Remind people of what he’s done in the LAST 9 yrs with some of the best talent in the NFL, when he had the leadership mantle, or HAD to carry an offense? Man, I can’t wait to see this downfall of epic proportions
You can’t read can you?
I said that SB run was not defined by one game.
You might be as dumb as AB
I think the team will pull of the trade in time and Brown will spout off about the team he’s traded to, but I really really wish he’d just shut up.
Almost mouth watering to think we could get a 1st for him..
I’d take a 6th and a longsnapper… And still think we ripped off his new team.
similar to ochocinco, terrell davis, dez bryant, etc
Terrell Owens is the name I think you meant.
Absolutely TO..
Ochocinco was a diva but was always a team player.
AB might be the worst because he’s obviously racist if you look at some of the things he’s said.
fkcn autocorrect
Brown just doesn’t get it.
Why would he delay the bonus? What doesn’t he get? I wouldn’t either…
Couple of scenarios could play out with it.
The team decides it is too much for a one year hit and now wait til they can split the cap hit into 2 years instead of 1.
In one scenario the steelers miss out on the draft picks from this year and dont get the comp they want.They decide to hold on to Brown. Brown sits out the year gets nothing and steelers save money.
The delay could also have the teams that are interested in him fill up their cap space with the chance they could lose out on secondary targets with them also not ending up with brown lessening the pool of teams. Also in that scenario their could be issues with signing new deal based on the amount of money he wants.
Im sure there are a ton of other scenarios as forcing the steelers hand to get it done earlier but for that type of player im sure they will wait it out.
why would a player who wants to be traded give his team some time to accomplish that?
is this a real question?
can’t you even try to figure out the really easy ones?
they aren’t asking for a year and a few weeks makes exactly how much difference?
If you’re* gonna call other people idiots, you might wanna know how to start said insult with the correct pronunciation. I could be wrong though.
I’m looking for any intelligence in these comments and not finding any. This is 100000000% on the Steelers and the Steelers alone the longer they wait the worse the return will be because AB has proved he won’t stop talking and I love it. But if how they handled the Bell situation is anything to go by they’ll drag this on and let it be a story. And I personally as a Pats fan hope they do it’s hilarious. Absolutely none of this would happen at all if the Steelers put the spoiled pageant baby Ben in his place a long time ago he is a player with a owner mentality and it should’ve never got to that point.
this is great news for the pats!
The Steelers meltdowns are the only reason there’s a “dynasty” up there and good for you for being proud of what you were given.
Inmates don’t run the asylum.. Bell turned down ridiculous money. Brown already has ridiculous money. He pouted like a child because JuJu got MVP and now wants to take his ball and go home. I say let him go and build again. We draft great WR’s all the time!
Your an idiot truth .. just spout off about nonsense.
If you’re* gonna call other people idiots, you might wanna know how to start said insult with the correct pronunciation. I could be wrong though.
Now it all makes sense!! Hahahaha he’s a Pats fan!
The truth speaks the truth. Pats have had Steelers number lately and we just sit back and laugh.
Laugh like us at the Pats after brady retires?
no one has ever changed jobs. get off it people. athletes are people too. people here are the clowns.. nuff said !!!
Yes exactly! People on here are absolutely horrible at putting themselves in the players shoes. Like if it was them that felt disrespected, they would just be fine with it? No of course not they want to work/play somewhere where you’re respected. And they sure wouldn’t be saying well, Ben does have 2 rings so I should just let him disrespect me.
hey some midol before you get so depressed you got the ice cream!
Are you really do insecure that you couldn’t do your job if the boss didn’t love you?
pathetic.
Respect? Seriously? This isn’t the mafia or a gang banger invading somebody else’s turf. If you have a problem with a co-worker, go to them and work it out or go to management. It’s what you or I would do in the “real” world. But no. He has to go online and air his dirty laundry for all the world to see. Hope he gets traded to the Redskins with either a rookie or Colt McCoy throwing him passes. See how he likes catching 100 balls for about 500 yards and 2 touchdowns!
Why didn’t the QB “go to the player” or “go to Management” when he had problems with them, instead of calling them out in interviews and his radio show? Oh, I forgot, the QB doesn’t have to abide by those same principles that you blasted the WR for, right?
Show me where I ever have said Big Ben did everything right and AB did everything wrong? I agree, Ben should’ve did the same thing I suggested. BOTH of them need to grow the h*ll up, but it’s a little late once you get past 30. AB is the one saying he hasn’t done anything wrong, which is laughable.
Yet, like most #7 fans, you made NO mention of him and his transgressions during your diatribe, talking only about AB and what he did. That’s the laughable part when people point out AB dirt laundry, Bell’s suspension, but leave out #7 history of Being suspended, throwing coaches/players under the bus, PUBLICLY criticizing management for Rudolph draft, after PUBLICLY talking about retirement year after year.
Well, the same can be said about you. I don’t see you saying anything against poor ole AB anywhere. The word you would be looking for now is hypocrite! I’m a Steelers fan, but I’m no Big Ben homer either. You’re making an assumption with that one. Bell got himself suspended, didn’t have anything to do with anyone else. Same thing for Ben. It’s called paying for your mistakes. But oh that’s right, Mr. Big Chest hasn’t made any…..has he?
Again… your FIRST comment made you seem like a Ben HOMER, especially the part about “going to the media” yet you only reference Brown in that comment. I’ve never said Brown didn’t do anything wrong. He was definitely wrong for his behavior week 17. Was he wrong for calling out the organization for how they have endorsed the behavior of the QB? NO. Is he wrong for wanting a trade? That’s his right to ask for a trade, and it’s the organizations right to either grant or deny that request.
Yeah, and there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about asking for said trade. The QB called Brown out, not the organization. Yet Brown went after them. You don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Forget the Steelers for a minute. Do you truly want a player like this in your locker room and pulling this crap? I realize you say you’re a Patriots fan and all, but you have to think twice about it. He could do this to your Patriots as well as any other football team out there.
I’ve never said I was a Patriots fan, so I I’ve no idea where you got that from.
If you hadn’t noticed, PLAYERS on that team love Brown. Just like Brown said “Others won’t speak out against Ben, because they don’t want to hurt their money”. He went at Management b/c just like Colbert endorsed, Ben can say whatever, whenever he wants. He’s got 52 kids under him. With the Patriots, Brown would never have issue with Brady, because if Brady had an issue he would keep it in house like REAL leaders do. Players don’t have to like each other, but as men, you better show them respect.
Sorry, got you mixed up with another person. I have no idea as to what the players feel for Ben or AB. I would have to say they “loved” Bell too. At least until he decided to quit on the team once Gurley got his and he decided there was his brass ring to reach for. How many of those players started speaking out against Bell at that point? Quite a few. So he thinks others won’t speak out because it will hurt their pocketbook, yet he goes out and does this very thing to force a trade and more than likely ask for more money from another team. Besides, if the other players felt like Brown and against management, why not speak out and get traded or released? Sign a one year make up deal and if the player is as good as he thinks he is, he’ll make his the next year as a free agent. Once again with the respect thing. Respect, being dissed, or whatever the vernacular being used today is, don’t mean squat in this world. If I go to work and can look at myself in the mirror and say I did a good job, that’s all I need. Don’t need validation from someone else for respect. The more a team gives into the “divas”, the more they act like Kim Jung Un in North Korea. They’re selfish and only think about themselves. I’m sure the teams that got Terrell Owens, Keyshawn Johnson, etc…after they were traded or signed as a free agent thought they could keep them under control too. How well did that work out?
Actually, only 3 teammates, all linemen spoke out against Bell. AB is on bird 3rd contract, so he got his money, so he’s in a position to call out whomever he wants. The fact that you think Bell quit on his team shows how ignorant Steeler fans are. Again, you’re the typical fools that thinks players should accept whatever you or others think they are worth. I’m glad he held out, just like I’m glad they went from 13-3 to out of the playoffs. Good luck with that 7-9 season this year. FYI…. T.O. Is in the HOF, plus Played in SB and Keyshawn won a SB in TB, so. I guess it turned out pretty good for them.
Ignorant? How did Bell sitting out last season HELP his team? Oh! That’s right! He was helping HIMSELF! By not receiving $14.5 million, which I believe would be the highest paid by AAV for any running back in the NFL currently. You think he’s going to make up that money in his next contract? Doubt it. If you think the reason the Steelers didn’t make the playoffs this year was because of Bell’s on-field play, you’re ignorant. When players like Bell and Brown intentionally sabotage a team for their own selfish needs for “respect”, they lose mine.
Sounds like Brown wasn’t disrespected in any way shape or form.
Sounds like Brown was constantly late to every meeting, and cried like a little girl anytime he was criticized.
He called Ryan Clark an uncle tom for stating a true story about AB throwing a temper tantrum in practice ..
The fun part will be seeing him work at McDonald’s age 50
Hey, just b/c you can’t afford not to work at Mickey D’s doesn’t mean everyone else will have to work there.
Is that the best you got?
I’ve seen your comments on this thread and I promise you I don’t need my best when it comes to dealing with you
Congrats.
No wonder you’re defending AB.. you are just as childish and annoying as him
Your feelings get hurt, little boy? Keep posting that weak sauce, just so you can keep getting smashed.
Did you say something funny somewhere?
Can’t find it
Poor AB, he was so upset by Ben saying that he ran a flat route that he had to quit on his team and get into a domestic incident with one of his multiple baby mamas.
In fact, he was even so upset by Ben saying that he ran a flat route that he went back in time and tossed furniture out of a 14th story window and drove 100+ mph down the busiest road in Pittsburgh.
Ben’s such a jerk.
No other QB publicly calls out their WR, and oh no he didn’t play the week in a game that didn’t even matter! Fun fact Ben was so upset with ABs routes he went back in time and became a rapist!
Does it bring joy to your life to be a sycophant to a manchild?
It must.
If you want to criticize Ben for calling out his teammates or you question his understanding of consent, so be it. None of those things excuse AB’s childish and brain damaged behavior.
BTW, the game he missed was the difference between them making the playoffs or not if the Ravens lost. So, it takes a special level of toadie to claim it “didn’t even matter!”
Hey JoshBell, at no time is anyone excusing Mr Big Chest’s behavior, but guys like you seem to often minimize the behavior on/off the field of the QB. Everything that MBC said about the behavior of the QB was confirmed/endorsed by the GM. No matter what you think of MBC’s behavior, Apparently he got fed up with the organizations endorsing behavior of the QB.
didn’t matter?
you must be girlfriend 8 since you don’t know about the team or the game.
Maybe Ben was smart enough to know if he called him out he’d cry like a baby and quit on the team?
Seems like Ben knows what he’s doing, and annoying dbag in the lockerroom will be gone.
The more Brown talks, the less I understand what the hell he wants, and the less I care to find out.
I’m looking at the Combine & I’m thinking all these prospects probably loved watching AB while carving out their own careers. I just hope they don’t think his actions are the norm or football will implode before the next CBA is signed.
the Steelers should trade him after June 11st. ( I decided to leave 11st to show off how well google, LG and straight talk know the English language, programming and spellchecking. I tried to type first using a 1 and an st but it will not allow it and keeps auto correcting. Software engineers are not your friends. they may not even be human)
speaking of not quite human… AB needs to restore his value of he wants a trade. Wait until June first to reduce this year’s dead money and hopefully he’s decided he’d rather play football and make money than sit and home and have his little self pity parties.
this man has 5 kids to feed and as we all learned in total recall that means you have to make some tough decisions.
if he decides he doesn’t want to play they can just sue him for the signing bonus.
I would much rather read about his mental breakdown every day than to let him get his way.
as a matter of fact, I would take him off the market until he gets his head clear and asks for a trade nicely.
the team has to carry 20 mil on the books if he stays or if he’s traded so just ignore him until this summer and see if he grows up enough for another team to want him.
either that or find a team that will play hardball on a new deal and take whatever they give you.
he can’t win anything on the field. don’t give him his first nfl victory here.
AB for the bench in 2019!
Yea… that’s the exact reason they didn’t make the playoffs last year, by making decisions by emotions, or “trying to teach Bell a lesson”. Keeping a guy on the bench making 15mil dollars, getting no compensation, makes no sense. But, hey, you’re really gonna teach him a lesson.
Again, they are getting compensation in 2020. Thought we went over this last week??
I’m talking about compensation for Sitting Brown on the bench in 2019 . Also, What compensation did they get in 2018 season for their best player not showing, b/c they wanted to teach him a lesson?
Ben Roethlisberger showed up?
Conner was better than Bell.
Steelers didn’t make playoffs because Boswell missed 40% of his kicks.
And it had nothing to do with teaching Bell a lesson.
He was the one who didn’t show up.
Steelers would have welcomed him with open arms.
Infact Steelers are nice enough to not franchise tag him again this season, which they’re well within their right to do if they really wanted to punish him
Conner was better than Bell? LMAO!!!! I guess that why they blew all those 4th quarter leads they just handed the ball to Conner to eat up the clock and give the defense some rest. I guess that why their run/pass ration was LAST in the league, all because Conner was better than Bell, who amassed 400 touches in 2017. Your comments really do epitomize the intellect of A lot of Steeler fans. SAD
Better as in Conner had better avg per carry, more td, more yac, more ypg, more total yards.
You really are dumb if you think a guy (Conner) who didn’t play the final 5 weeks is a reason they didn’t close out games.
Lolololol
His fumble in the opening game in last 3mins vs CLE cost them ONE game. So, YEAH, he was the reason they didn’t make the playoffs.
Welp, they got a pro bowl starting running back in Conner… and I’m not even jumping on the Conner train. I said this last year, and I’ll say it again this year. Steelers RB’s are a product of their offensive line, and I’m completely okay with that
There will be plenty of time for Brown and Bell to write a tell all book about the Steelers dysfunctional culture.
But would it be legible ?
My favorite is he says, “I didn’t throw no stones”. No, you threw a football… at your QB.
Steelers best bet value is going to be a contingent pick based on him playing and/or resigning with new team. The more he runs his mouth the lower his value.
Best value is getting him off the team.
Any compensation is just icing on the cake.
Cincinnati gave you a glimpse of what JuJu will do vs the double team. A WHOLE 37yds vs the WORST defense in the league. Better sign a competent FG kicker.
Juju was also only 21 in his second season and will be an absolute monster this year
Love how all these clowns on here Rip Bell for what he did knowing damn well they would want to be compensated at their. He played the hand that they were a Super Bowl contender so he tried to get everything he could. They called his bluff so now he can seek his riches somewhere else. I love how ppl in these forums can say how the franchise tag was negotiated so it’s in the teams rights to tag him but he is the bad guy because he did what was within his rights as well.
As far as AB I hear everything he is saying only problem is he went about it unprofessionally but he does have valid points. Any Steeler fan never seen Farrior, Hines, Earl Holmes, Troy, Faneca, Dawson, Bus or anybody for that matter calling out their teammates in any fashion publicly.
Ben is not a leader but the team is forced to side with him because of the importance of the position. That’s why he hasn’t been moved.
Tomlin has been criticized by ppl in the past for running a loose ship but yet again with this team’s small window it would do more harm than good to let him go and bring in a new coach with a whole new system. But his history of pushing Lebeau & Arians out the door and his nonsense tripping the Raven plus the off field with Joey Porter nonsense. He I am sure will be on his way out once this window closes.
Ben is the biggest clown in NFL he claims possible retirement then gets mad when they draft a possible eventual replacement.