The looming future of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell has been the team's biggest storyline heading into the offseason. Both sides expressed plenty of optimism early that a long-term deal would be done.

However, it seems the Steelers plan on slapping the franchise tag on him once again. Bell has since commented on the possibility of playing under the tag in the 2018 NFL season, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler:

“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 said. “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 has clearly been unhappy with not having reached a long-term deal. He even suggested going into retirement should it not get done this offseason. It seems he still has not ruled out that possibility.

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“I just have to decide if I'm going to play when the time comes,” Bell said.

Bell has been the best running back over the last five years. Understandably, he now wants to be paid as such. In terms of value, there is no other back in the league that brings more to the table than Bell does.

As a quintessential three-down back, Bell plays the majority of the snaps on offense. Furthermore, he is one of the best at doing it. The three-time Pro Bowler has rushed and caught for more combined yards than any other player in the league since entering in 2013. That said, it will be interesting to see how he approaches his decision to play this year. Bell is set to make $14.5 million under the franchise tag next season.