Bell: Steelers will use franchise tag on me for 2nd straight year
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell revealed the club will use the franchise tag on him for the second straight year, barring a last-minute change.
"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 said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "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."
The franchise tag deadline is on Tuesday. However, if Bell receives the tag, both parties have until July 16 to reach a long-term deal or else he'll play under the stipulations of the tag.
"We might get something done," Bell said. "I'm hoping for something to get done but I'm not expecting it to (before Tuesday)."
Bell rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns, adding 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games during the 2017 season, earning first-team All-Pro honors for the second time in his career.
The running back also said he'd consider retiring if he doesn't get a deal that meets his demands.
"I just have to decide if I'm going to play when the time comes," Bell said.
Bell later tweeted his desire to remain with the Steelers for the rest of his career:
Pittsburgh: the city that took in a 21-year old kid from small-town Ohio, the city I battled thru adversity in, the city that I became a man in. I love everything about being a Pittsburgh Steeler, and I want nothing more than to finish the rest of my career in Pitt! #26Forever pic.twitter.com/mhs2ikpK71
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 6, 2018