Steelers rumors: Pittsburgh 'aren't that far off' in contract talks with Le'Veon Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers and superstar running back Le'Veon Bell continue to talk about a new deal with the deadline for an agreement being only a few months away.

The Pittsburgh Steelers has one of the most potent offenses in the NFL. Along with a two-time Super Bowl champion under center in veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the storied franchise also has arguably the two best players in the league at the wide receiver and running back position with the two-headed monster of Antonio Browns and Le'Veon Bell.

Despite the team being stacked with talent on offense, the Steelers have a major issue that needs to get resolved sooner rather than later. Bell's contract situation has been a constant distraction for both the player and the team as both sides can't seem to see eye-to-eye on a long-term deal. However, that may be changing, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

That Bell and the Steelers remain far apart: While they aren’t particularly close, they aren’t that far off, either. The Steelers have increased their offer from last year, which Bell said fell at an average of $13.3 million annually. But Bell asked for more before the March 6 deadline, forcing the Steelers to reassess.

The Steelers have to decide if they want to enter that $15 million stratosphere. But it’s not like the sides are operating with a $5 million gap. They are already fairly close to Bell’s sweet spot.

Although Bell has been franchise tagged by the team for a second straight year, the Steelers have until July 16 to work on a deal. At this point, there's no telling what may happen between the two sides as Pittsburgh clearly isn't anxious to meet Bell's asking price and the star running back isn't budging about his intentions to be paid as an elite player at his position.

Last season, Bell carried the football a career-high 321 times for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns. Bell was also a force once again as a receiver catching a career-high 85 passes for 655 yards and two touchdowns.

There's no question Bell is as productive as they come at the running back position and shows no signs of slowing down as Pittsburgh continues to be a force in the AFC. However, his future with the Steelers is by no means set in a stone as contract talks are ongoing.