Pittsburgh Steelers: Is holding out a possibility for Le’Veon Bell?

Currently under the franchise tag, could Pittsburgh Steelers stud running back Le’Veon Bell put the team through a holdout situation?

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell has quickly asserted himself as one of the premier backs in the NFL. While Bell maintains many strengths to his game, what sets him apart on the field is his patience while running the ball. Now Bell’s patience will be tested off the field as well.

Bell has been absent for most of the team’s activities thus far while recovering from a sports hernia surgery performed earlier in March. However, a much heavier burden might keep Bell sidelined as Pittsburgh gears up for the start of mini-camp — a burden in the form of dollar signs.

It’s been proven that the Steelers organization reward those who deserve it.

Ben Roethlisberger was only the seventh player in league history to earn a contract worth over $100 million, and Antonio Brown’s ink is still fresh on his contract from this offseason that made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league. It’s logical to think that Le’Veon Bell is in line to receive a similar payday as his teammates.

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Yet, here we are at the beginning of June, and Bell continues to stick his nose up to a franchise tag that will pay him $12.1 million in 2017. The NFL has seen its fair share of holdouts when training camp rolls around, especially with big name players wanting their fair share. Could Le’Veon Bell be added to this list? How serious is he about his contract?

While Bell has commented on his desire to stay, no such words have been given on what would happen should he and the Steelers not reach a long-term deal by July 15, the cutoff date for teams to come to a new deal for their designated franchise player. Read through the tea leaves, however, and there’s a very high possibility that Bell would be more than happy to sit out the dog days of training camp, and even possibly the preseason.

After all, he is only one out of the two remaining players in the NFL that have yet to sign their franchise tag, standing alongside Los Angeles Chargers pass-rusher Melvin Ingram. If the tea leaves aren’t entertaining, perhaps the musical styling of Bell himself could offer some insight. Heading into last season, Bell dropped a song titled “Focus”, where he said:

"“I’m at the top and if not I’m the closest, I’ma need 15 a year and they know this.” – Le’Veon Bell on his track “Focus”"

Although $15 million may be a step too high, Bell knows his value is among the best and appears determined to hit the jackpot soon — whether it be in Pittsburgh or another team.

The great news for Pittsburgh faithful is both sides want to get a deal done, and have already begun preliminary talks. Generally speaking, contract negotiations are far easier when both player and team wish to remain in harmony. Bell has made his desires to stay in black and gold well documented, while the Steelers organization are all in on ensuring “Juice” doesn’t get loose in free agency.

Does Le’Veon Bell deserve to be one of the highest paid running backs in the league? Without a single doubt. Bell is a special player that is essentially a swiss army knife for offensive coordinators to play with, and has proven himself as a championship piece.

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So while the likelihood of Bell missing time doesn’t increasingly appear serious, don’t be appalled should he sit and play the waiting game. If there’s one thing Bell knows how to do, it’s run up the numbers. It’s about time his bank account caught up.