Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Antonio Brown

Steelers make Antonio Brown highest-paid WR with four-year, $68 million extension

USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) holds up the ball after a play during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium.

On the same day that the Pittsburgh Steelers ensured one of their offensive stars would be kept under wraps, the team also made a deal to give another one top dollar.

The Steelers reached a four-year, $68 million extension with Antonio Brown that makes the wide receiver the highest-paid at his position, a person familiar with the deal's terms told USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the financial aspects of the contract had not been announced.

Brown had one year remaining on his existing contract. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green previously held the high for the position with $15 million average per year.

Brown confirmed the deal on Twitter by posting an image of himself with agent Drew Rosenhaus and the caption "Steelers for life #Boomin" attached. The team also announced the extension.

Brown, 28, has been a Pro Bowl selection in five of his seven NFL seasons and finished no worse than second in the NFL in total receptions in each of the last four seasons.

All things Steelers: Latest Pittsburgh Steelers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Brown came under intense scrutiny from the Steelers during the postseason when he recorded a locker room speech by coach Mike Tomlin on Facebook Live. But Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in February that signing the receiver to a long-term contract would be a "priority" in the offseason.

Earlier on Monday, the Steelers placed the exclusive franchise tag on running back Le'Veon Bell.

PHOTOS: Best potential NFL free agents

Featured Weekly Ad