Pittsburgh Steelers: Team getting ready to pay Le’Veon Bell
Arguably the best running back in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell appears to be closer to getting a long-term deal from the club.
Between being late for a walkthrough, talking about rematches with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots (before the latter was a certainty) and suggesting retirement should his employer opt to give him the franchise tag for a second straight year, the press surrounding Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell as of late has hardly been a positive.
But a few weeks after the team surprisingly fell at home to the Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, there seems to be a glimmer of good news when it comes to the team and their talent offensive performer. Apparently, progress is being made when it comes to a new contract for the potential unrestricted free agent.
“We are a lot closer than we were last year,” said the five-year pro to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler this week. “I’m happy and the Steelers are happy right now where we’re at. Obviously we have to continue to get it done.”
It’s safe to say Bell has gotten it done for the most part. His detractors are quick to point out that the former Michigan State standout has played only one full season. His career has had its share of detours due to a pair of NFL suspensions and a few substantial injuries and those are certainly valid points.
In 2017, only the Rams’ Todd Gurley (2,093) finished with more total yards from scrimmage that Bell (1,946). It’s worth noting that both players sat out their respective season finales. All told, no player in the NFL racked up more total touches (406) and more rushing attempts (321) than the Steelers’ workhorse. He finished third in the league in rushing yards (1,291) and 10th in the NFL in receptions (85).
Despite a productive 2017 for the young running back (who turns 26 years old on Feb. 18), it was an unsettling summer for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their star performer missed all of training camp and the preseason. And it’s a situation both the player is hoping to avoid once again.
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“I want to make sure everything is good,” added Bell. “I’m not trying to play the same episode again. We need something new…Make everybody happy so everybody can come into the season and we don’t have no distractions.”
That latter word proved to be the calling card for one of the most talented teams in the NFL. But it’s something the Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell certainly don’t want on their 2018 resume.