Barring a last-minute long-term deal by Tuesday evening
The Pittsburgh Steelers have informed Le’Veon Bell that they will apply the franchise tag to him for the second consecutive year in the absence of an unlikely deal by Tuesday’s deadline, Bell told ESPN. The Steelers have increased last year’s long-term contract offer but Bell’s floor is now $14.5 million per year, based on the projected tag number for a running back. “I just have to decide if I’m going to play when the time comes,” Bell said. (ESPN)
Nerdy Football Analysis: “Earlier I said I felt we would get one done, and this year we are a lot closer than last year. In good spirit, I feel we can get something done. But unless something drastic changes, it won’t be [this week].” Bell has hinted that he might retire if he can’t come to an agreement with the Steelers. While that seems far fetched, he’s likely to sit out training camp again if the two can’t reach a long-term deal by mid-July.
