In a move that’s been expected for some time now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially placed the franchise tag on star running back Le’Veon Bell.
The #Steelers have officially franchise tagged RB Le’Veon Bell again, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2018
Should Bell sign the tender and the two sides fail to come to terms on a long-term deal, he’ll earn $14.5 million this coming season.
This comes on the heels of a report that Bell will indeed skip training camp should the two sides not be able to work out a long-term contract prior to July’s deadline.
Bell, 26, gained 1,946 total yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He’s put up a grand total of 3,830 total yards over the past two seasons.
If any team were to sign Bell, it would have to give Pittsburgh two first-round picks as compensation. That makes it pretty much a guarantee he’ll return to the Steelers short of a trade being worked out.