Steelers, Antonio Brown agree on restructured deal

PITTSBURGH -- Antonio Brown is now a $10-million-dollar man in 2016.

The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded their star receiver with a restructured contract that advances $4 million of 2017 money into this year's $6.25 million base salary for a total of $10.25 million, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

The deal, which doesn't include any additional years but does include a $8.975 million signing bonus and a $1.275 million base salary, sets the stage for a larger extension as the Steelers promised to rework Brown's contract after this season, the source told Schefter.

Brown, 28, had privately hoped for a restructured deal -- as happened last season -- once it became clear the Steelers would stick to their long-standing policy of not renegotiating contracts until a player has one year remaining.

Prior to the 2015 season, the Steelers moved up $2 million of 2016 salary into a signing bonus, giving Brown $8-plus-million. He rewarded the Steelers with 136 catches, 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns.

As a result of the new restructured deal, Brown's 2017 salary -- the last of a six-year, $43-million extension he signed in 2012 -- now drops from $8.7 to $4.7 million. If he keeps producing and stays healthy, he's unlikely to play under that figure.

After 265 catches since 2014, Brown has outplayed his contract. But he's getting a nice advance to hold him over.

"You have to take care of your guys," Brown said at the start of training camp. "If a guy underperforms, you get rid of him. If a guy overperforms, you take care of him."

The Steelers recently cleared cap space with restructured contracts for right tackle Marcus Gilbert and safety Mike Mitchell. They intend to use the $4-plus million in additional space toward Brown's restructured deal and a possible extension for All-Pro guard David DeCastro before the Sept. 12 season opener at Washington.