Le’Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a race against the clock to come to terms on a long-term contract.
Bell received the exclusive franchise tag by the Steelers, meaning the two sides will have until 4 p.m. on Monday to agree to a long-term contract or Bell will play the season on a one-year deal worth $14.5 million. A similar situation occurred last year.
With this year’s deadline approaching, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic an agreement can be reached. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the two sides are facing a challenge in making that happen.
Despite Mike Tomlin’s confidence that a deal can be struck by 4 p.m. Monday, it will be challenging for Pittsburgh and Steelers’ franchised RB Le’Veon Bell to reach a long-term contract agreement, per league sources. The two sides came close last year and will keep trying Monday.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 16, 2018
Bell and the Steelers were in the same boat last summer. Bell held out after not being able to agree to a long-term contract with Pittsburgh and did not report to the team until after training camp ended.
The two sides have reportedly made progress on a new contract for the All-Pro running back. Tomlin has hinted at a deal being consummated before Monday’s deadline. Should a deal not be reached, it will be interesting to see how Bell reacts this time around compared to a year ago.
