Pittsburgh Steelers want to sign WR Antonio Brown to long-term deal

Signing wide receiver Antonio Brown to a long-term extension is a "priority" this offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"We want Antonio Brown to retire as a Steeler," general manager Kevin Colbert told reporters Thursday.

Brown has one year remaining on his current contract worth $4.71 million. He was originally due to earn $8.71 this season before a 2016 restructuring moved $4 million of 2017 salary to 2016.

Brown said earlier this week his agents are negotiating with the Steelers, which Colbert confirmed.

"What we always ask the agent is to keep us informed," Colbert told reporters. "If you are getting an offer, or if you are getting interest, let us know and we'll see if we can manage or meet your expectations. I can say that Antonio is the only one we're in specific negotiations with now."

The 28-year-old arguably is the best receiver in the league. He has caught more than 100 passes in each of the last four seasons.

In 2006, he compiled 106 receptions good for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns. Overshadowing that production was Brown live-streaming coach Mike Tomlin's postgame speech after the Steelers' playoff win against Miami.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that "Brown's antics are wearing thin on some of his teammates and certainly his coaches."