The Pittsburgh Steelers have elected not to use the transition or franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell, making the disgruntled running back a free agent for the first time in his career.
Thrilled with the outcome, Bell took to Twitter to express his jubilation:
Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I am free at last 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) February 20, 2019
Bell held out for the entire 2018 campaign and did not suit up for a single game for the Steelers. It marked the second year in a row that Bell held out. He also held out in 2017, missing the first week of the season before returning to action in Week 2.
So, this contract dispute between Bell and Pittsburgh is nothing new.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Michigan State University, was originally selected by the Steelers in the second round (48th pick overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
He actually had a very underwhelming rookie campaign, rushing for 860 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging a mere 3.5 yards per carry, but the following year, Bell broke out, racking up 1,361 yards and eight scores on the ground while hauling in 83 receptions for 854 yards and three touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors.
Bell was then limited to just six games due to a suspension and a torn MCL in 2015, but in 2016, he returned and made another trip to the Pro Bowl, finishing with 1,268 yards while reaching the end zone seven times as a rusher. In addition, he caught 75 passes for 616 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
In 2017, Bell totaled 1,291 yards and nine scores on the ground, snaring 85 balls for 655 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. He made another Pro Bowl and earned another First-Team All-Pro selection as a result.
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