The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell have found themselves in a familiar situation with the deadline to work out a long-term extension about to pass, and speculation has already begun regarding where Bell could go from here.
In an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said he believes it is possible that Bell could sit out the first eight games of the 2018 season.
Whoa.
"I think it's possible Le'Veon Bell sits out first half of the year if he doesn't get a long term deal done." –@AdamSchefter on @SiriusXMNFL.
"The goal at that point would be to hit 2019 free agency healthy, not rack up another 400 touches."
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) July 16, 2018
As Schefter notes, Bell’s rationale would be that he does not want to risk suffering a serious injury when he’s only playing under a one-year deal. However, he is set to make $14.5 million in 2018 if he plays under the franchise tag for the second consecutive year. Sitting out half the season would mean forfeiting more than $7 million.
There have been some positive signs surrounding Bell’s contract negotiations with the Steelers, and the team doesn’t want to go another training camp with its star running back holding out. However, it would be a surprise if Pittsburgh’s brass actually believes Bell would sit out half a season and give up millions of dollars.
