As you already know by now, the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to come to terms on a long-term contract extension with running back Le’Veon Bell by today’s 4:00 p.m. deadline and that now means 2018 will more than likely be his last season with the organization.
After the deadline passed, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert and Bell both released short statements on Twitter.
Colbert indicated in his statement that while Bell will now play under the franchise tag in 2018, the team will still attempt to sign him to a new deal after the season has ended and presumably prior to the start of the 2019 free agent signing period.
As for Bell, his statement included him saying that he intends 2018 to be his best season to date.
The chances of Bell remaining a Steeler past the 2018 season now seems far-fetched. At this point, the running back will undoubtedly test free agency in 2019 and then likely sign with the highest bidder.
Bell’s agent, Adisa Bakari reportedly said the following after Monday’s deadline to sign his client had passed.
“It became clear the Steelers wanted to pay the position, not the player.”
