Steelers Extend Antonio Brown, Send Strong Message To Mike Wallace

On Friday, July 27th, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they extended Antonio Brown contract for five years through the 2017 season. The extension is for five years and $42.5 million. 

The same amount that supposedly was offered just a few days earlier to Mike Wallace, but that turned out to be a hoax. Coincidence?

There's no word yet on the guaranteed money, but the supposed deal for Wallace contained a $20 million guaranteed amount. I'd expect this to be around that. An approximate $15-$20 guarantee. 

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert made this statement regarding the signing: “We are excited to announce that Antonio Brown will be with the team through at least the 2017 season. He has played a major role in our success over the past two years and we are thrilled he will be a Steeler for many years to come.”

This obviously sends a clear message to Wallace. The Steelers aren't affected by scare tactics, they don't blink. They don't play kid games, either. Wallace wants to pout and hold his breath until he gets his way? Ok. Keep doing that, Mike. The Steelers sure won't. 

Antonio Brown epitomizes what a Steelers player is. He is hard working and who show a willing and humble attitude. It's that type of player the Steelers organization rewards. They've shown that yet again. 

Are you paying attention, Mike? Like Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said on his personal Twitter account, "If I am Mike Wallace, I dont show Until week 10 now. No use."

"The Steelers offered Mike Wallace very similar deal to Antonio Brown's deal. Brown accepted, Wallace was offended....And just like that, Antonio Brown is a hero and Mike Wallace is bum in the eyes of Steelers fans."

Steeler Nation has been vociferous in their having had enough of Wallace, now the Steelers brass has shown it has as well. Like I said, they don't blink. You wanna play chicken? The Steelers just took your pink slip. 

UPDATE:

Pro Football Talk reported that AB got $8.5 million guaranteed. The first year cap hit is supposedly around $2.25 million, second year is approximately $7.75 million and, as Laird pointed out, AB got $8.5 million up front/guaranteed (not $15-$20 million).

If It Ain't Steel will post an update if these numbers are wrong, but, from what I'm hearing, they're fairly accurate.