For the first time this season, it looks like Le’Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be headed towards something of a resolution. But it sounds like it will happen later than sooner, however. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Le’Veon Bell has indicated that he will join the Pittsburgh Steelers after their Week 7 bye week. Adam Schefter of ESPN also indicated that Pittsburgh could still listen to trade offers for their running back in the meantime.
Le’Veon Bell expects to report to the Steelers during the Week 7 bye, a source told @ESPN. Bell definitely plans to play football for the Steelers this season.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 1, 2018
Bell is currently under control of the Steelers via the Franchise Tag but is scheduled to become a free agent at the season’s conclusion. His last agreed-upon deal ended after the 2016 season. The team put the Franchise Tag on him for the 2017 league year and he agreed to sign the $12.12 million, one-year deal. Prior to this season, Pittsburgh put the Franchise Tag on him for a second consecutive offseason. But he has yet to sign his franchise tender.
Pittsburgh still is expected to be interested in listening to trade offers for RB Le’Veon Bell, per league sources. Bell now planning to report later this month would not dissuade the Steelers from making a deal that made sense.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2018
The Steelers running back has indicated all along that he wanted a long-term deal. Pittsburgh doesn’t appear willing to give him that multi-year contract he is seeking. Instead, the team seems content with the idea that this will be Bell’s last with the organization.
In order for the 26-year-old Bell to have this season count towards his free agent eligibility, he needs to report by Week 10, per NFL rules as stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement.
When Bell does report, it will be his sixth season in the NFL since he was drafted in the second round out of Michigan St. in 2013. For his career, he has 5,336 rushing yards on 1,229 carries (an average of 4.3 yards per carry) and 35 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also proved to be a viable weapon in the passing game with 312 catches for 2,660 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
Steelers certainly could use Le’Veon Bell. Steelers rank last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (43.3) and yards per rush (2.8) since Week 2, and their 19 rushing yards in Week 4 were their fewest in a game since 1970.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2018
Pittsburgh is currently 1-2-1, which ties them with the Cleveland Browns for last in the AFC North.
