Report: Steelers, Brown optimistic about reaching extension before camp

All indications are that an extension securing Antonio Brown's future in Pittsburgh will be a top priority heading into his contract year.

Both the Steelers and their star wide receiver are optimistic that a new deal can be reached prior to training camp next summer, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Questions were raised about Brown's status with the team after head coach Mike Tomlin didn't mince words in criticizing the actions that allowed a postgame locker room speech to be shared live on social media.

Considering the fact that Brown remains firmly entrenched among the NFL's elite wideouts, though, the Steelers moving on was likely never on the table.

Team president Art Rooney II defended the veteran receiver earlier this week, and Brown told "The Dan Patrick Show" on Thursday that he expects to be "a Steeler for life."

The mutual interest can be taken as a strong indicator that it's only a matter of time before an agreement is reached that keeps him in a Steelers uniform well beyond next season.

Brown, a sixth-round pick in the 2010 draft, has spent his entire seven-year career in Pittsburgh.

After a fourth consecutive season of elite production, finishing the 2016 campaign with 106 receptions for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns, the 28-year-old has all the leverage he needs to be made the NFL's highest-paid receiver.