Earlier this week, Le’Veon Bell threatened to retire or sit out the 2018 season if he was franchised. However, following the Steelers loss to the Jaguars today, the running back emphasized that he’d like to remain in Pittsburgh.
“Of course,” Bell said when asked if he wanted to return to the Steelers next season (via ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell). “I never want to leave this city, but obviously, circumstances and things like that. But I definitely don’t.”
The Steelers are expected to slap Bell with the franchise tag for the second straight season, which means the running back would earn around $14.5MM. Despite the fact that that value would be the highest salary of Bell’s career, the Pro Bowler is pursuing a lucrative long-term contract. The running back is reportedly also eyeing a deal that would account for his importance in the passing game.
After compiling 67 yards on the ground and 88 yards through the air, Bell admitted that he wasn’t thinking of his next contract following the disappointing loss.
“Just the fact that I lost a game, I kind of feel the same way. All four games we lost this year, I feel the same way,” he said. “I hadn’t thought about it. I’ll go back, and tomorrow when I wake up, it might cross my mind, but I haven’t made it that far yet.”
Bell also noted that the Steelers have the right roster to make another run at a Super Bowl championship.
“I think we get everyone healthy, it can even be more special,” he said. “Give credit to [Antonio Brown]. He went out there at whatever percent and still gave his all. Obviously, wasn’t himself. Still made plays. Being incredible. Guys like that, you can’t come across all the time.”
Hey, at least he’s not on the Saints right about now
Meh, at least the Saints lost to the higher seed and gave them a game. The Steelers choked it.
So, you’re saying the Saints were never good enough to make it to the Super Bowl and win? Good to know your team’s limitations.
I understand that he wants to get paid and have security but talking about your own contract and threatening to sit out the following season is a distraction that a playoff team could live without IMO
Can someone please translate what he said? Smh
He said, “I’d prefer to remain here in Pittsburgh if I’m paid well enough. But, I could change my mind tomorrow.”
Basically he wants to stay in Pittsburgh but there are contractual demands he’s hoping are met in order to do so, otherwise he will retire/try to go elsewhere.
This was a bad distraction for the Steelers, but the real distraction for them was that they were too busy looking ahead. Too many of their guys were looking ahead to the rematch with the Patriots (even Tomlin did so a couple of weeks ago). I’m not saying that them looking ahead was the primary reason they lost, but they were overlooking a good team that just played harder.
Not really–the looking ahead wasn’t what cost them the game: It was bad coaching, poor play calling and a bad defense.
Pay the man he deserves it,
I can translate “F*** you Pay me” … he still deserve it. He deserve it just as much as any other steeler does.
Pay the man….don’t emulate redskins. The loss yesterday is on Tomlin…fourth down calls…stupid onside kick…came out flat and went down 14-0….that TD pass to the fullback was embarrassing-defense not prepared. They were out coached all day. Watch what Belichick does to Jags.
Franchise him and trade him to the Lions for a 1st rounder & 4th rounder this year & a 2nd next year after he negotiates a long term contract
He is amazing but with all the weapons in the passing game and the Oline I don’t see the need to pay him as much as he wants the Pats do it with a committee that combined make less than him now
He is a distraction at times that they don’t need and I think trading him would provide the much needed culture change running backs can be found anywhere maybe not as good but better production for the price
Also Haley gotta go, Mitchell gotta go, and we need a true run stuffing NT for the dline By no means am I discounting Hargrave but some depth is needed
Also bring Timmons back !!!!!