According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, the Steelers aren’t expecting franchise RB Le’Veon Bell to report to the team during mandatory minicamp or for the start of training camp in July.
Instead, Pelissero says that it’s likely Bell will show up right before the start of the season like he did last year.
Pelissero reports that Bell has been seeking $17 million per year in a long-term deal, which explains why the two sides haven’t come to an agreement.
Last year, Bell turned down a five-year contract worth $60 million, so this shouldn’t come as a big surprise. If Bell is able to put together another strong season, Pelissero says he could use the franchise tag to his advantage in 2019 much like Kirk Cousins did before cashing in on a fully guaranteed deal with the Vikings.
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.
We’ll have more regarding Bell and the Steelers as the news is available.
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