A few days before the Steelers lost to the Jaguars in the playoffs, Le’Veon Bell threatened to sit out the 2018 season or retire if the team placed the franchise tag on him for a second straight season.
Well, the Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell on Tuesday, the last day it was possible to do so for next season. While the two sides still have until July 15 to agree on a long-term contract, the Steelers don’t seem worried about his January threat.
Bell? He’s still considering all of his options.
“I just have to decide if I’m going to play when the time comes,” Bell told ESPN.
Bell doesn’t have to sign the franchise tag now, but doing so would lock him into a one-year, $14.544 million contract. He played last season for $12.1 million, helping the Steelers to a 13-3 record with 321 carries for 1,291 yards and 85 receptions for 655 yards. There is no question Bell is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but teams have been less willing to invest big money and long-term contracts in the position in recent years.
He skipped training camp last season, and waited until just before the regular season began to sign the franchise tag offer. Bell could do the same this year.
“We’re not coming to a number we both agree on — they are too low, or I guess they feel I’m too high,” Bell added. “I’m playing for strictly my value to the team. That’s what I’m asking. I don’t think I should settle for anything less than what I’m valued at.”
Bell also tweeted Monday night that he wants to play for the Steelers for the rest of his career.
“Pittsburgh: the city that took in a 21-year old kid from small-town Ohio, the city I battled thru adversity in, the city that I became a man in,” he tweeted. “I love everything about being a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I want nothing more than to finish the rest of my career in Pitt! #26Forever”
Whether or not that actually happens could depend on contract negotiations in the coming months, or if Bell is really willing to walk away while at the peak of his career.