The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again been unable to come to an agreement with Le’Veon Bell on a long-term contract extension, and the star running back is taking the same approach this offseason that he did a year ago.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Bell is not expected to be present when the Steelers begin organized team activities — which are optional — on Tuesday. Bell stayed away from the team until September last year, so his absence this year is hardly a surprise.
Prior to the draft, there were indications that Bell and the Steelers may have been closer in negotiations than they were at this time last year. However, there have been no reports of progress, and the more time that passes the more likely it is that Bell will have to play a second consecutive season under the franchise tag.
A recent report from NFL Network claimed Bell wants to be paid like Antonio Brown, who makes $17 million per year. That would be insane money for a running back — even one that makes as big of a contribution in the passing game as Bell.
