Report: Bell may not play this season

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

According to The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, Le’Veon Bell may not play this season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He said “there’s a real possibility” that Bell will not report to the team by the franchise tag deadline on Tuesday, November 13th, 2018 at 4 pm.

Despite a tweet by Bell, he has not had any contact with the Steelers franchise. The tweet said that he was leaving Miami, where he has reportedly been training for an NFL return.

Le’Veon Bell carries the ball against the New England Patriots (Getty Images)

There has been some speculation that he may sign with the team this week. Yet, there’s still a chance that he refuses to sign his franchise tag offer that will be around $6 million now after blowing much of the $14.5 million by not playing.

Bell would be considered a third-year franchise player after the season if he does not sign his franchise tag this season. That number will reportedly be $25 million — and the Steelers would not offer him that tag.

The 26-year-old Reynoldsburg, Ohio native wants to be signed as a “player” and not just a running back. He, along with his agent, believes that he could be paid like one of the top players in the league, not just the quarterback position.

With the Steelers having Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown to massive deals, they’re limited on what they can offer Bell. And with second-year back James Conner performing so well this season, the franchise likely would not sign him to any contract extension now.

Bell spent five seasons with the Steelers prior to holding out during the 2018 season. He made 62 starts, while having 1,229 carries for 5,336 yards and nine touchdowns.

He also had 85 receptions for 655 yards and two touchdowns.