The Pittsburgh Steelers have been deadlocked in contract negotiations with running back Le'Veon Bell since last offseason. As a result, wide receiver Antonio Brown has sounded off on Bell's absence from organized team activities.

Bell's decision to not attend practice should hardly come as any surprise. However, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Brown feels showing up will not only help him to continue getting better but it will also aid in his search for a new lucrative contract:

“The first rule of getting better is showing up,” said Brown after Wednesday's OTA session. “You can't make anything better without showing up. I think if he shows up, make everyone understand where he wants to be — he wants to be here not just for this year but years to come, come out here and show up. Show up and get better and show guys you're serious.”

Much like Bell, Brown is regarded as arguably the best player at his position. That said, he has had some experience negotiating for a new contract from the same standpoint as his teammate.

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Fortunately, it worked out well for Brown in the form of a lucrative four-year extension worth $68 million with $19 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wideout in the league.

Needless to say, Bell is hoping to get the same love from the front office this time around. He has made it clear that he wants to be the highest-paid running back in the NFL. Furthermore, he wants the salary to be indicative of the numbers he has put up over the last several years.

Unfortunately, the prospect of being franchise tagged for a second consecutive year is starting to look like a real possibility.