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Jon Robinson confirmed that the team has held preliminary talks with A.J. Brown about an extension.
Brown knows how we feel about him as he enters the final year of his contract.
Ian Rapoport reported in January that the two sides had mutual interest in a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
After making the Pro Bowl in 2020, Brown saw his numbers go down. In 13 games, he caught 63 passes and scored five times. He was hurt in the second half.
He was ranked as the 14th-best wideout by Pro Football Focus.
"Brown was again one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. His 2.50 yards per route run ranked inside the top 10 among qualifying wide receivers in the regular season. Brown was actually one of eight receivers to record over 2.0 yards per route run in the slot and out wide this season. And he did all that while battling injuries at four different points from the preseason to the regular season’s end."
After theTitans rewarded Ryan Tannehill with four years, $118 million and Derrick Henry with four years, $50 million, Brown will believe it is his time.
The fact that Tennessee wants to win a Super Bowl will give him some leverage. The lackluster initial returns from the Jones trade might make it necessary to keep Brown around.
Jones is hitting free agency in 2023, and he had the worst season of his career in 2021, with 31 catches, 434 yards, one touchdown.
Losing Brown would be a huge blow to the offense.
It is possible that Brown is flirting with a return to baseball. Although he didn't play baseball in college, he was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB draft by the San Diego Padres.
Will Brown leave the NFL at his peak in order toil in the minor league for a few years while earning less than he would in football? It is a plausible enough outcome.
The franchise tag will be used for Robinson if theTitans fail to strike an agreement with Brown's representatives over a new contract. It might be more expensive to keep him around after 2023.
The fact that the two sides are talking is a positive sign.
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