Update:
The Steelers have already confirmed that they’ve used their franchise tag on RB Le’Veon Bell.
We have placed the franchise tag on RB Le'Veon Bell.
MORE: https://t.co/arRJJrbY4h pic.twitter.com/auifC2Z89C
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 27, 2017
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Adam Schefter is reporting that the Steelers have officially used their franchise tag on RB Le’Veon Bell Monday.
- Ian Rapoport reports that the Steelers used the exclusive tag on Bell.
Both the Steelers and Bell have said that they would like to get a long-term deal in place that will allow him to continue his career in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
The franchise tag is projected to run Steelers $11.789 million fully guaranteed for the 2017 season. Although, this move will not prevent the two sides from working on a long-term extension ahead of the July deadline to negotiate with franchise players.
Bell, 25, is a former second-round pick of the Steelers back in 2013. He played out the final year of his four-year, $4,120,600 rookie contract that included a $1,376,800 signing bonus and was in position to be one of the best players in this year’s free agent market.
In 2016, Bell appeared in 12 games and running for 1,268 yards on 261 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 75 receptions for 616 yards receiving and three nine total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 1 running back out of 62 qualifying players.
We had him featured in our Top 100 – 2017 Free Agents list.
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