NFL free agency: What Antonio Brown’s new deal with Steelers means to Eagles

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Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) enters the field prior to the AFC Wild Card playoff football game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 30-12. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers made Antonio Brown the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL Monday, inking the 28-year-old to a five-year deal worth $73 million contract that will have a trickle down effect on the Eagles and the rest of the NFL with free agency looming.

There had been rumblings that the Steelers would look to trade or even release Brown after he recorded a Facebook Live video in the locker room following a playoff victory over the Kansas City Chiefs and the Eagles might have him in their cross-hairs. Obviously, Monday’s news can officially end any speculation of Brown moving across the Keystone State.

However, with Brown now signed, sealed and delivered by the Steelers, the free agency market can now be set.

Brown’s contract could determine the going rate for the top free agents at the wide receiver position such as Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Kenny Stills who all have been linked to the Eagles in various reports.

It was reported Thursday that the Bears…