Contract discussions are beginning to take place between the Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell.
Not only does Bell believe he is worth top dollar, he wants to set a new market for running back pay. He feels this position “gets overlooked” according to Michele Steele of ESPN.
Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell told me it was “very important” he sets the bar as far as running backs being paid in any new deal: “I think the running back position gets overlooked. The market is really down and I feel like I am a player that can set it right.”
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) January 25, 2018
Fortunately for Bell, he and the Steelers are in a “good spot” regarding the contract process. This is opposite from last season when the two parties failed to reach an agreement. Bell ended up playing under the franchise tag.
This is something that Bell said he won’t do in 2018. He threatened earlier in January that he would hold out or simply retire rather than play under a franchise tag again.
The best thing for both parties would be for the Steelers and Bell do get a deal done prior to him being given the franchise tag.
Whether this prompts a higher bar to be established for future running back pay remains to be seen.
Bell has put up total of 7,996 total yards and 42 touchdowns over his past five seasons with Pittsburgh.