Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell will be seeking more than $17M per year and $45 million guaranteed as part of a long-term, which could come out to a five-year, $85 million.
Rapoport says Bell will have a “legit market” that could include teams such as the Jets, 49ers, Lions and Texans.
According to Rapoport, the Steelers are expected to use their transition tag on Bell, which will give them the opportunity to match any offer he receives from another team in free agency next year.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports spoke to a handful of NFL GMs and salary cap experts who revealed that Bell could be in line for a more tepid response from teams than he’s hoping.
Bell, 26, 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.
The Steelers used the franchise tag on Bell again this offseason, which means he stands to make $14.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2018 season before testing the open market as an unrestricted free agent next year.
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 had him rated as the No. 9 running back out of 58 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Top 25 – 2019 NFL Free Agents list.
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