Le’Veon Bell, one of the top running backs in the NFL in recent years, is due to hit the free agent market after Pittsburgh Steelers ownership decided not to designate him with the franchise tag.
Bell, who remained with the Steelers over the past two seasons after being designated as the team’s franchise player, did not receive the designation this season. This was largely due to the success of Pittsburgh running back James Conner in the 2018 season.
This means that Bell will hit free agency this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. Any NFL can sign him for the amount of money that they choose.
Bell’s 2018 season was a bizarre story in which the running back did not report to play for the team after he refused to agree to the team’s franchise tag. He did not sign a contract with the team and forfeited millions of dollars after choosing not to play for Pittsburgh.
Despite not playing in 2018, Bell has a reputation as one of football´s top running backs. He has been named to the Pro Bowl three times since making his NFL debut in 2013.
He was also named to the NFL All-Pro team in both 2014 and 2017.
Once NFL free agency begins on March 13th, 2019, Bell will be free to negotiate and sign with any NFL team that he wants.
