NFL Free Agency Rumors: Le’Veon Bell Wants to Stay with Steelers
One of the biggest names hitting 2017 NFL free agency, running back Le’Veon Bell reportedly wants to stay with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Le’Veon Bell has only played in 12 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2016 NFL season. Missing the first three games of the year due to a suspension for substance-abuse violation, he’s been nothing short of phenomenal since taking the field for the AFC North champs. However, the running back is facing at least a bit of uncertainty heading into the offseason.
Slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, Bell will be one of the biggest names on the market. Which team wouldn’t want a back capable of putting up close to 2,000 all-purpose yards in just 12 games? Teams may not have that chance if it’s up to Bell, though.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers running back wants to remain in Pittsburgh. After he was voted by the team as the Steelers MVP on Thursday, Bell spoke to the media and addressed his pending free agency. Bluntly, the running back stated he wants to stay put and that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Frankly, it would have been shocking if Pittsburgh wasn’t wholly focused on keeping Bell on their roster. The Steelers running back has been one of the catalysts for one of the most explosive offenses in football. Consistently displaying both patience and explosiveness, he’s a weapon in any situation where he gets the ball.
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With that said, it’s going to take a pretty penny to keep Bell a Steeler. Using the franchise tag for 2017 would net the back north of $12 million. However, the more likely scenario for the 24-year-old would be a longer-term deal. We’ll see eventually what the actual number is. But ultimately, don’t expect the Bell to be wearing anything other than Black and Yellow in 2017—and likely beyond.