Unless suffering a career-ending injury, not many football players would consider retiring at age 25. Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell doesn’t have injury problems, but he revealed to ESPN that he is considering sitting out the next season or even retiring if the Steelers place a franchise tag on him again. The two times first-team All-Pro played under a franchise tag last season, which saw him earn $12.1 million. In case that the Steelers don’t come up with a satisfactory offer to get Bell to sign a long-term contract, they could use the franchise tag again which would come up to $14.5 million in 2018.
Reportedly, the Steelers have offered Bell a contract under which he would make over $30 million in the first two years, but the running back felt that didn’t reflect his value. He often spoke in the past about wanting to set standards when it comes to salaries for other running backs.
“Just get the numbers straight, exactly where we want them. I’m not going to settle for anything,” – said Bell about his contract expectations. “I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I’m not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I’m not getting what I feel I’m valued at.“
It isn’t like Bell would want to leave Pittsburgh and the Steelers organization. He would like to end his career with the franchise but isn’t afraid to ask for what he thinks he deserves.
“I want to be here, finish my career here,” – Bell said. “But if not, I’ll just handle it, however, I’ve got to handle it.”
Le’Veon Bell didn’t let the contract negotiations affect his game in 2017. He rushed 321 times for 1,291 yards in 2017, adding 85 receptions for 655 yards and 11 touchdowns in total.
