The Pittsburgh Steelers did not use their transition tag on running back Le'Veon Bell, officially making him an unrestricted free agent.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert told Pro Football Talk that the reason why Pittsburgh opted not to use the tag on Bell was that it would have cost the franchise $14.54 million.

The Steelers had hoped that, because Bell held out for the entire 2018 campaign, they would be able to apply the base running back tag to Bell, which would have been under $10 million.

Pittsburgh has not ruled out bringing Bell back, but it seems like the two sides are parting ways for good.

Bell had been embroiled in a contract dispute with the Steelers since the lead-up to the 2017 season and actually missed Week 1 of that season due to his hold out.

However, he returned in Week 2 and ended up rushing for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns on the year, resulting in a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. (89) during minicamp at the Hoag Performance Center.
Steelers’ Donald Parham Jr. suffers season-ending injury in practiceBenedetto Vitale ·
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) reacts after a touchdown reception during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh renews Jonnu Smith trade talks with DolphinsBenedetto Vitale ·
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (0) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at EverBank Stadium.
Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh hosting ex-Bills star with Jonnu Smith trade not expectedBen Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts on the field against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers rumors: TJ Watt gets intriguing timeline amid contract extension sagaPreston Byers ·
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) enters the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Raiders’ Jackson Powers-Johnson eyeing revenge on Cam HeywardJosh Davis ·
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Steelers rumors: Insider reveals T.J. Watt contract offerRexwell Villas ·

The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Michigan State University, was originally selected by Pittsburgh in the second round (48th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

He had a relatively quiet rookie campaign, finishing with 860 yards and eight scores while averaging a meager 3.5 yards per carry.

However, the following season, Bell broke out, racking up 1,361 yards while reaching the end zone eight times as a rusher. He also hauled in 83 receptions for 854 yards and three touchdowns en route to his first trip to Honolulu and First-Team All-Pro honors.

Overall, Bell has made three Pro Bowl appearances.