Bell plans to skip training camp but won't miss games
As he did last year, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell plans to skip training camp and then report to the team in time for the regular season, his agent confirmed Tuesday to SiriusXM NFL Radio.
Bell and the Steelers failed to strike a long-term agreement Monday before the deadline for franchise-tagged players to do so passed, meaning he'll play the 2018 campaign on a one-year deal for the second consecutive season.
Related: Bell likely to leave Steelers after 2018, agent says
After the deadline - Bell's camp reportedly turned down a five-year, $70-million offer from Pittsburgh - the tailback vowed to make 2018 his "best season to date."
to all my Steeler fans, my desire always has been to retire a Steeler...both sides worked extremely hard today to make that happen, but the NFL is a hard business at times...to the fans that had hope, I’m sorry we let youu down but trust me, 2018 will be my best season to date...
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) July 16, 2018
Last year, a disgruntled Bell waited until after the preseason to sign his franchise tender and report to the Steelers' facility.
The 26-year-old ranked among the top five in rushing yards in three of the past four seasons.