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Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers are seemingly done griping about their disappointing end to the 2017 season, they are able to focus on the more pressing issues at hand. Of course, the biggest one being running back Le'Veon Bell's future with the team. Bell has been vocal about wanting his well-deserved lucrative contract for some time now.
In order to accommodate the NFL's offseason deadlines, the Steelers plan to once again franchise tag him for the time being, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
From @NFLTotalAccess: With the franchise tag window opening tomorrow, a look at some of the key players who may receive the tag. pic.twitter.com/l5IAn25Ce9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2018
Article Continues Below“Le'Veon Bell is expected to engage in negotiations during this two-week window to try to get a deal done in advance of the tag. If they are not able to do a deal then I am told they will tag Le'Veon Bell and then keep working toward a deal. But there is reason to believe from both sides that this something they are optimistic they will be able to get done.”
The Steelers' decision may not initially sit well with the All-Pro running back considering the threats of retirement he has made should the team franchise tag him again. However, that was in the past when both sides weren't close on anything significant. It seems there is much more optimism this time around about both sides coming to terms on a deal to keep Bell in the black & yellow for a long, long time.
Regardless, it is clear that Bell feels he should be the highest-paid running back in the league ,and rightfully so. There are hardly any backs that have produced the body of work he has over the last five seasons, especially with his versatility as a runner and pass-catcher out of the back field.
However, the Steelers will need to work out a deal quickly if they are to avoid any more turmoil with their star workhorse.
