One of the lingers questions surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers concerns the long-term future of star running back Le'Veon Bell.

The 25-year-old is on track to become a free agent this upcoming offseason, which has placed a significant amount of importance on the franchise working out a new deal with him. According to Vaughn McLure of ESPN, team president Art Rooney stated on Wednesday that the Steelers intend to work out a long-term deal with Bell over the next several weeks.

“With every signing we do, we look at all the facts,” Rooney said about Bell's deal. “The player on the other side is looking at the same things. The bottom line is, can you come together and have a meeting of the minds? That's what we've got to work on. … I think the good news is both sides want to get something done here, and hopefully that will lead to us getting it done.”

Although there isn't much of a sense of urgency from Pittsburgh at this point in time, securing a new deal with the All-Pro running back is atop of the list. He is arguably the best player at his position in the league that is in the prime of his career. Bell is also coming off another highly productive campaign where he finished third in rushing yards with 1,291 while recording nine touchdowns. He also made a huge impact as a receiver, leading his position with a career-high and NFL record 85 catches for 655 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

With Ben Roethlisberger already indicating to Rooney and the Steelers that he wants to play beyond his current contract, it's even more reason for the front office to work out a long-term deal with Bell. He has been the centerpiece of the team's offensive game plan over the last couple of seasons, which would make his loss a significant step back.
Bell had indicated that he wants to get a contract worked out before Feb. 20, which is the first day that the Steelers can apply the franchise tag on him. This speeds up the timetable for the two sides to work something out as he previously indicated that he doesn't want to play under that designation by any means. It could make for what should be an interesting negotiation process between both sides over the next few weeks with the free agency period fast approaching.