Report: Steelers not interested in trading holdout Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no interest in trading Le'Veon Bell, even as the running back extends his holdout into the regular season, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

It's unclear whether the Steelers would reconsider their stance if Bell remains absent for a while longer, though some in the NFL believe he'll report to the team by the end of September.

Bell, who hasn't signed his one-year franchise tender yet, will miss the Steelers' season opener on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The veteran sacrificed a Week 1 game check worth $853,000 when he refused to ink the deal before Saturday's deadline. However, he can't be fined by Pittsburgh for his absence while not under contract.

Bell has kept his plans for the season a mystery, but a lingering absence suggests he's trying to preserve his health ahead of free agency.

The Steelers placed the franchise tag on him for a second straight year in March, aggravating the 26-year-old who's searching for a long-term contract.

Bell rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns last season, adding 85 catches for 655 yards with two more touchdowns as a receiver.