Time is running out on the Pittsburgh Steelers and star running back Le’Veon Bell coming to terms on a long-term deal by the 4 pm deadline on Monday. And it doesn’t seem like they will have a deal done much earlier than that mandated timeframe.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the two sides have made some progress, but talks are still likely to go down to the wire.
Bell has reportedly been seeking close to $17 million annually from the Steelers in negotiations, but Pittsburgh may be unlikely to give him over $14 million. If a deal isn’t done by the deadline, Bell will play out the season on his one-year, $14.4 million deal via the franchise tag.
Bell, who has been holding out throughout the offseason due to his contract situation, is also not expected to report through training camp for the second-straight year without his long-term deal.
Article Continues BelowWith this being his second consecutive year on the franchise tag, Bell is unlikely to be tagged a third year and will likely hit unrestricted free agency next offseason. That could mean that this upcoming season might be his last in Pittsburgh.
Despite holding out during training camp, Bell still proved he’s one of the best backs in the league last season as he compiled 1,291 rushing yards, 655 receiving yards, and 11 total touchdowns for the Steelers.
However, the Steelers have not felt as if Bell is worth the type of money he’s asking for. It’s now just a matter of hours before everyone finds out if the two sides finally resolve this years-long standoff.