The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell failed to agree to a long-term deal before Monday’s deadline. With that said, details have reportedly emerged scripting what the Steelers final offer reportedly was worth.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bell turned down a five-year $70 million contract.
From what I understand, the #Steelers’ final offer to RB Le’Veon Bell was 5 years, $70M with more than $30M over 2 years. Last year, the offer was 5 years, $60M. … Instead, he’ll earn $14.5M on another franchise tag.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2018
This would have paid Bell an average of $14 million per season with more than $30 million offered for the first two years. Pittsburgh’s offer was for $10 million more than what was offered last season.
Bell was instead seeking more in the neighborhood of $17 million per year, which obviously the Steelers were unwilling to offer. He will now earn $14.5 million under his franchise tag playing what likely will be his final season in Pittsburgh.
For what it is worth, the current highest-paid running back secured to a long-term deal is Atlanta Falcons Devonta Freeman. He averages $8.25 million per season. Needless to say, Bell failed to reset the running back market by rejecting the Steelers’ deal.
He at least vows to make his 2018 NFL season his best one yet. This is after Bell most likely skips his entire preseason.