Adam Schefter is the preeminent NFL news-breaker, and he rattled plenty of cages when saying Le’Veon Bell might sit for half of the 2018 season.
During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Schefter said Bell could take that route if he doesn’t sign a long-term deal before Monday’s deadline.
Whoa.
"I think it's possible Le'Veon Bell sits out first half of the year if he doesn't get a long term deal done." –@AdamSchefter on @SiriusXMNFL.
"The goal at that point would be to hit 2019 free agency healthy, not rack up another 400 touches."
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) July 16, 2018
Hello, negotiation tactic.
Bell deserves to be paid like the superstar he is. Pittsburgh understands it’s driving him into the ground.
Yes, undoubtedly, this contract discussion has significant challenges. But the next time someone willingly and voluntarily passes up nearly $1 million per Sunday for eight weeks, go ahead and let me know.
The Steelers and Bell might not agree to a long-term deal. If that happens, the All-Pro runner likely won’t report to Pittsburgh until September, the same as 2017.
But he’s not missing a game in 2018.