Le'Veon Bell wants to take it upon himself to raise RB market
Le'Veon Bell is taking a stand for running backs everywhere in the NFL.
The Pittsburgh Steelers running back did not reach a long-term agreement with his club by Monday. While he would have liked to lock up some more job security, Bell is not going to take a deal simply because the market for running backs is low.
"It's a little frustrating, but it's a business," said Bell, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "I'm not in a rush to sign for something I'm not valued at, if I feel I'm worth more than what they are offering me."
Related: Bell laughs off not receiving long-term deal: 'I gotta get better, apparently'
Bell will make $12.12 million on the franchise tag this season, over $4 million more than the average annual salary of the next highest-paid running back, LeSean McCoy. He remains positive a deal will be reached with the Steelers though, as he's shown on the field, he's willing to be patient.
"The running back market definitely took a hit, and I can't be the guy who continues to let it take a hit," Bell said. "We do everything. We block, we run, we catch the ball. Our value isn't where it needs to be. I'm taking it upon myself to open up some eyes and show the position is more valuable."
Bell said he wants to stay with the Steelers for his next contract, but "you never know what will happen."