Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans!
While I think most of us figured they were both coming at some point during this offseason, I don’t think many had Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown getting their big paydays on the same day.
For Bell, he was given the ‘Exclusive Franchise Tag’ by the Steelers which will pay him (when he signs it) over $12 million in 2017. The two sides will have until mid-July to reach a long-term deal or the tag sticks for the entire season and Bell would again be facing free agency. Because this is the ‘exclusive tag,’ Bell cannot negotiate with other teams. He does have the option not to sign it, but his rights still belong to the Steelers.
In the case of Antonio Brown, he extends his contract through 2021 and becomes the highest-paid wide receiver in football. Our Ben Anderson has the monetary details right here including projected cap impacts as well. Brown is expected to speak to the media tomorrow.
With three of the four ‘B’s’ taken care of for 2017 the attention now turns to the fourth and final member of the insect clan. It is expected that Martavis Bryant will be re-instated in the foreseeable future and once he is we should have an offense that is head and shoulders above any other in the NFL. They have to all be healthy and remain on the field however.
Tweet of the Day… My how time flies.
With the #2017NFLCombine beginning this week, we’re taking a look back at the 2004 NFL Combine: https://t.co/4UmF4qlQ7f #Steelers pic.twitter.com/dfkyN3oZ1F
— BigBen7.com (@_BigBen7) February 28, 2017
Personal Note… I didn’t watch the Oscars but I did see Viola Davis’ acceptance speech. I’ve never seen her give a poor performance as an actress but she said something in her speech that I found offensive. “I became an artist and thank God I did,” she continued “because we are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life.” The ONLY profession? Really? I thought that was very arrogant and self-serving. I know she and all entertainers work hard but to act as if her’s is the only profession to “celebrate living a meaningful life” is garbage.
I think Landry Jones will re-sign with the Steelers. He will get some looks from other teams but no one will be able to offer him a starting job. Therefore, it’s in the best interest of both for him to stay.
We are now in the absolute crazy period of mock drafts. Everyone has one including your mailman. One had the Steelers taking an offensive lineman in the first round. I never say, “never,” but I feel pretty good that it won’t be one (an OL) in this Draft.
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
