Wide receiver A.J. Brown has been impressive in his first three seasons with the Tennessee Titans.
He started his NFL career with back-to-back 1000-yard seasons.
In 2021, the Ole Miss alumnus had 869 yards and five touchdowns despite missing four regular-season games.
But now that Brown is entering the final year of his rookie contract, he is holding out until he gets a lucrative extension.
Since he was drafted in the second round, Tennessee couldn’t pick up a fifth-year option.
For that reason, Brown won’t participate in the Titans’ initial offseason workout program.
He, Terry McLaurin, and Deebo Samuel are doing a power play with their respective teams.
However, his decision to forego the workouts placed him in a bad light.
Brown responded to the criticism via Twitter.
I’m a diva and a bad teammate all of sudden, lol ok. Do what you have to do then and so will I
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) April 18, 2022
The 2020 Pro Bowler said, “I’m a diva and a bad teammate all of sudden, lol ok. Do what you have to do then, and so will I.”
Brown has the leverage because he is the team’s primary receiver.
They brought in Robert Woods, but Brown remains their top option in the passing game.
Losing him would make their offense even more one-dimensional, with Derrick Henry taking more snaps.
Likewise, Brown would want to maximize his earning potential during his peak years.
The High Ceiling Isn’t Brown’s Fault
NFL players and agents negotiate their new contracts based on what their peers are getting.
Having comparable numbers with their contemporaries allows them to negotiate for a deal close to what the other player is earning.
Brown would like to secure his future by getting an extension based on the market’s movement.
Therefore, he is acting as such after seeing the deals that Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams signed.
Hill is earning an average of $30 million as part of the Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Adams will receive around $28 million per year to play for the Las Vegas Raiders.
As those deals pushed the ceiling, it also elevated the floor for a primary wide receiver to $20 million annually.
That’s the base value Brown is seeking, and the Titans can’t avoid paying that price to keep him.
NEXT: A.J. Brown Makes A Notable Change On Social Media
The pushback from a great number of fans is a result of his scrubbing his social media accounts of his life as a Titan. Taking advantage of an opportunity to make as much money as possible is what professionals work towards.
AJ has earned a large contract without question. However, the manner in which you do so is just as notable and impactful as your efforts on the field. At least in the eyes of many fans. The GM has never wavered about the franchise’s willingness to pay him big money.