Le’Veon Bell, previously known as @steelerrb26 on Instagram, has changed his handle, taking the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the equation entirely.
The running back announced the move on his account Monday, writing, “new username, same juice.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be0zmMAB8Ui/?taken-by=leveonbell
Apparently, he took Odell Beckham Jr.’s request seriously.
https://instagram.com/p/Bev6vkIjMeQ/?utm_source=ig_embed
This could mean nothing, but it could also mean everything.
Bell is going to receive the franchise tag barring a long-term deal before the start of the new league year.
And just as recently as last week, he made it clear that he “absolutely” would consider retirement if the Steelers used the tag on him for a second year in a row. Though, in the same interview he also said he intends on showing up for training camp, so it’s hard to know how serious he actually is about all this.
What we do know is that Bell is serious about getting paid. There is no doubt that this change in his Instagram profile has everything to do with sending a message to the Steelers. Traditionally, this is the kind of tactic the organization does not cave in to. However, Bell is a cornerstone player who has become the engine that drives Pittsburgh’s offense.
Needless to say, it’s going to be fascinating to see what happens next.