Wants to protect his long-term value
Le’Veon Bell could miss significant playing time over his franchise tag.
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back is not expected to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns barring an unforeseen development, according to a source, and agent Adisa Bakari hinted Bell might be willing to wait this out longer. “He’s going to do the things necessary to protect his value long-term,” Bakari told NFL Live in an appearance Wednesday. Each week Bell skips, he forfeits $852,941. (ESPN)
Nerdy Football Analysis: Assumptions were made during the off-season that Bell would show up around Labor Day, like he did last season. That hasn’t happened. His $14.5 million franchise deal remains unsigned. If he doesn’t report, James Conner will be the starting running back and carry RB1/2 value into a meeting with the Browns.