The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized a new contract for wide receiver Antonio Brown and placed the “franchise” tag on running back Le’Veon Bell Monday. Brown signed a five-year $72 million deal which makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. Bell will receive more than $12 million for one year, making him the highest-paid running back in Steelers history. The Steelers will likely attempt to sign Bell to a long-term contract.
The 29-year old Brown became the first NFL receiver to lead his conference in receptions four years in a row, and tied retired Indianapolis star Marvin Harrison as the only players in NFL history to have 100 receptions four consecutive seasons. The 25-year old Bell returned from a drug suspension and rushed for 1,268 yards and caught 75 passes. He is the first NFL player to average 100 yards rushing and 50 yards receiving in a season.