Steelers tag RB Bell for second straight season
For the second straight season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have slapped the franchise tag on star running back Le'Veon Bell.
Multiple reports confirmed Bell's tag ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline with a figure of $14.544 million for the 2018 season.
Bell, 26, threatened to retire back in January if the Steelers applied the tag on him again. Last year, Bell was the recipient of Pittsburgh's exclusive tag at a rate of $12.12 million.
The two-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler said he would not play under a contract averaging less than $14.5 million per season.
"We're not coming to a number we both agree on -- they are too low, or I guess they feel I'm too high," Bell told ESPN. "I'm playing for strictly my value to the team. That's what I'm asking. I don't think I should settle for anything less than what I'm valued at."
ESPN reported that Bell said he doesn't plan to sign the tag anytime soon and is likely to skip training camp.
"I just have to decide if I'm going to play when the time comes," Bell said.
Bell rushed for 1,291 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns in 15 games last season while also catching 85 passes for 655 yards and two scores. His 35 career rushing TDs are tied for third in Steelers history and his 5,336 rushing yards rank fourth.
--Field Level Media
