Report: Steelers, Bell not optimistic about deal before Monday deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le'Veon Bell are running out of time to agree on a long-term deal.

The team has until 4 p.m. on Monday to sign its franchise-tagged star rusher to a multi-year contract, but negotiations are expected to "go down to the wire" and both sides "aren't optimistic" they'll reach a deal in time, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

If an agreement isn't reached by 4 p.m., Bell will have to play the 2018 season under the one-year franchise tag.

The two sides also reportedly came close to a multi-year deal ahead of the 2017 season, but Bell ultimately played under the tag for $12 million.

Last year, Bell stayed away from the Steelers during training camp and skipped the preseason before finally signing his contract on Sept. 4. The time away didn't hurt, however, as he finished third in the league with 1,291 rushing yards.