Franchise-tagged running back Le’Veon Bell did not report for the beginning of the Steelers offseason workout program, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com.
Bell wasn’t expected to attend Pittsburgh’s workout sessions, which are voluntary, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be staying in shape. Per Fowler, Bell will workout “rigorously” on his own over the next several months in lieu of showing up at official team meetings.
Staying clear of team workouts is typically standard practice for franchise players who have yet to sign their tenders. After Lions defensive Ezekiel Ansah inked his tag on Tuesday, Bell now stands as the only tagged player who is not officially under contract.
The Steelers and Bell have until July to work out a long-term agreement, but negotiations — as they did in 2017, when Bell was also assigned the franchise tag — have lived of the brink of contentiousness. As of late March, contract talks were on hold, and it’s unclear if the two sides have resumed negotiations since. Bell has already said he has no plans to sit out the 2018 season, but he will likely stay away until the preseason is concluded.
Bell, of course, is arguably the most dynamic offensive weapon in the NFL. In 2017, the 26-year-old Bell led the league with 321 carries while posting 1,291 rushing yards and nine scores. He also totaled a whopping 85 receptions and 655 yards in the passing game.
What a clown
Yeah what a clown for wanting to get paid the one contract he’ll get before he turns 30 and the league discards him.
So long as he passes a piss test when he does report.
Trade him. Get a haul while you can.
I don’t blame him for wanting to get paid and get some financial security. Running backs have short careers in the nfl.
Hes set to earn 13 million this upcoming season. How much more does a guy need. Thats a lot of money
“Bell will workout “rigorously” on his own over the next several months in lieu of showing up at official team meetings.”
Dairy Queen plans to add some seating around the parking lot so fans can enjoy this.
Wait, I thought he was just gonna retire if his salary demands weren’t met? What happened to all that big talk about retirement or sitting out for all of next year? Steelers knew he was bluffing hard.
He’ still under contract for a nice chunk of change and both sides will be playing the bluff game for a while yet.