Pittsburgh Steelers: When will Le’Veon Bell show up?
Running back Le’Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers failed to come to terms on a long-term contract, now when will we see the two-time Pro Bowler?
Make no mistake about it. Pittsburgh Steelers’ two-time Pro Bowl running back Le’Veon Bell plans on being on the field for Mike Tomlin’s team this season. Preferably all 16 regular-season games, which the 2013 second-round pick has managed to do only once in four NFL campaigns.
Given his performance for the team when available or healthy, he’s earned a long-term deal. This season, he will play for $12.1 million, quite the upgrade from the four-year, $4.12 million deal he signed as a rookie in 2013 (via Spotrac).
Of course, for this to happen, Bell has to sign the team’s exclusive franchise tender so he can rejoin his teammates for training camp. It would be somewhat surprising if this was to happen, at least when the players report for the start of summer fun on July 27 in Latrobe, PA.
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However, make no mistake about it. Bell made it clear to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that he intends on being ready for the season when his team travels to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 1:
"“I understand from (the Steelers) side it’s not personal against me; it’s all business,” said the four-year pro. “It’s not personal with them, either. I’m trying to do what’s best for me and my family…I like the position I’m at right now. I’m going to play football."
Following a 4-5 start, the Steelers reeled off nine-straight wins (including playoffs) to get within one victory of Super Bowl LI. Bell was injured in the first quarter of the 36-17 loss to the New England Patriots. He’s currently still on the mend following offseason groin surgery.
Bell finished third in the NFL this past season with 1,884 yards from scrimmage despite missing four games. He was the catalyst to the team’s second-half surge and is not only a gifted runner and receiver but a standout blocker as well.
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He’s a complete football player, somewhat rare in this continued age of specialization. The Steelers should and will get this done in due time. To be honest, neither party appears to be in a hurry for its own reasons. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.