Le’Veon Bell was unable to come to an agreement on a long-term extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and he may be unwilling to play for the franchise after the 2018 season.
Bell’s agent, Adisa Bakari, confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Bell will play a second consecutive season under the franchise tag, and he said it will “likely” be the star running back’s last in Pittsburgh.
From Le'Veon Bell's agent Adisa Bakari: "His intention was to retire as a Steeler. But now that there's no deal, the practical reality is, this now likely will Le'Veon's last season as a Steeler."
More: "It became clear the Steelers wanted to pay the position, not the player."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2018
Obviously, emotions are running high after the Steelers refused to pay Bell what he believes he is worth for a second straight offseason. It’s possible that things could change as the season progresses, but Bell’s agent has made it clear that the relationship between the two sides is strained.
There have been some rumblings that Bell could go to drastic measures to protect himself ahead of becoming a free agent in 2019, but he seems unlikely to do that.
