The Facts: Did we mention this already seems like an endless saga? Whatever the case, when it comes to dealing with Brown, the Steelers have options. Brown has options, too. Although he lamented earlier today that the system gives players no leverage, he can still express preferences and/or pursue strategies. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Brown currently is exploring his options.

Diehards Line: According to Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio, Brown has several options. He can decide to re-embrace the only team for which he has ever played (if that team still wants him) and continue to show up and perform under a contract that pays out nearly $39 million over the next three years, although none of the money is guaranteed. He can officially ask for a trade. (When coach Mike Tomlin said this week that Brown hasn’t “formally” requested a trade, Tomlin possibly implied that an informal request has been made.) Florio added things get interesting if the Steelers decline to trade him. The acknowledgement that the system gives Brown no leverage arguably means that he wouldn’t hold out or otherwise jeopardize the money he’s due to make this year (more than $15 million) or the unearned signing bonus money he received two years ago (more than $11 million). Brown could attempt to replicate the T.O. antics of 2005, when a conscious decision was made to disrupt and distract in an effort to force his way out of Philadelphia, but that would set the stage for disciplinary action, including one or more suspension of up to four games each. Brown could also do the bare minimum, skipping offseason workouts, expressing disinterest (without being insubordinate) in meetings, going less than all out when on the practice field, and/or allowing minor injuries to keep him from playing, but that would undermine his obsessive pursuit of catches, yards and touchdowns. Regardless, both sides have a decision to make before March 17. That’s when Brown is due to receive $2.5 million. The die needs to be cast before that day.