Le’Veon Bell Not Expected To Play In Week 1, Steelers Have No Plans To Rescind Franchise Tag

Jeremy Fowler reports that barring an unforeseen development, Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell is not expected to play in Week 1.

On Wednesday, Bell didn’t report to the team in preparation for the season opener and his agent, Adisa Bakari, later explained that they’re looking to protect his long-term value.

“He’s going to do the things necessary to protect his value long-term,” Bakari said.

Bell is still holding out and has yet to sign his franchise tender for the 2018 season. According to Fowler, the Steelers have no plans to rescind Bell’s franchise tender.

Steelers director of communications Burt Lauten issued the following statement regarding Adisa’s comments.

“We are not going to discuss any conversations through the media,” Lauten said. “If Adisa [Bakari] would like to talk further, he has the phone number to our offices.”

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 has him rated as the No. 9 running back out of 58 qualifying players.