“Foregone Conclusion” Steelers Franchise RB Le’Veon Bell Again In 2018

Jason La Canfora reports that it’s considered a “foregone conclusion” that the Steelers will franchise RB Le’Veon Bell for the second straight season next year.

La Canfora mentions that Bell is expected to seek at least the $16 million per year he was asking this past summer as part of a long-term deal. Pittsburgh reportedly offered him more than the franchise tag paid out in the first two years of their contract offer they made to him, but he ultimately declined the deal and elected to play out the year under the franchise tag.

While it’s going to be tough, La Canfora says that the Steelers are prepared to try to franchise him and continue to work on an extension this summer.

This past July, the Steelers’ final offer to Bell was worth $30 million over the first two years of the agreement, which is more money than Bell would have made under two franchise tags. Beyond that, the deal would have paid Bell an average of $13 million per year, which is huge money for a running back these days.

The 2018 franchise tag should run Pittsburgh close to $14.5 million fully guaranteed.

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 the free agent market when he was franchised.

Bell will make around $12.3 million fully guaranteed for the 2017 season under the tag and be an unrestricted free agent again in 2018.

In 2017, Bell has appeared in 15 games for the Steelers and rushed for 1, 291yards on 321 carries (4 YPC) to go along with 85 receptions for 655 yards receiving and 11 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 running back out of 58 qualifying players.

We have him featured in our Top 25 – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.