Quote:Le'Veon Bell played on the franchise tag in 2017. The Steelers star running back said he won’t do it again.

Bell threatened to sit out, or retire, if the Steelers franchise him again in 2018.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I would definitely consider it,” Bell told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

He wants a long-term deal in Pittsburgh or elsewhere, leaving the Steelers with a decision.

Bell earned $12.1 million on the franchise tag in 2017. That number projects to around $14.5 million for next season. Bell, who, in the offseason, turned down a deal worth up to $30 million in the first two years, via Fowler, said the Steelers need to “value” him.

“Just get the numbers straight, exactly where we want them,” Bell said. “I’m not going to settle for anything. I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I’m not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I’m not getting what I feel I’m valued at.”

Bell, 25, earned first-team All-Pro honors after rushing for 1,291 yards on 321 carries and catching 85 passes for 655 yards. He scored 11 total touchdowns.

Bell told Fowler if he sits out the 2018 season, he is unlikely to return.

“It will eventually come down to me playing on the tag or not,” Bell said. “They tag me again, it will be me [saying], ‘OK, do I want to play on the tag or do I not want to play on the tag?’ That’s what it comes down to. If I was a free agent and they let me go, be a free agent, then yeah, I’m going to go explore free agency, test the market.”

(01-12-2018, 08:25 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: Who?

(01-12-2018, 10:33 AM)The Real Deal Wrote: My thoughts exactly. He’s only good because of that Oline always stretching cloth. And they know that, that’s why they are reluctant to pay him.

(01-12-2018, 12:01 PM)JS-Steelerfan Wrote: I wish they’d ‘stretch cloth’ when he’s out too, because there’s definitely a drop off in those instances.

(01-12-2018, 12:01 PM)JS-Steelerfan Wrote: I wish they’d ‘stretch cloth’ when he’s out too, because there’s definitely a drop off in those instances.

(01-12-2018, 12:35 PM)StrictlyBiz Wrote: If Ben retires, you've got to pay the man while you draft/develop a QB while bringing in a mid tier FA. If not, then they'll be okay if they resign Ridley and Conner. IMO Bryant is the X factor. The Steelers have him for 1 more year and if he can play like he's capable (like he has the last 2 or 3 games), then the offense will do just fine with R&C.

The loss of Shazier is what is more concerning to me, long term. Defense has been on the rise and will take a step or two back without him. Not only was he good, but he was the brains of that D.

(01-12-2018, 12:48 PM)The Real Deal Wrote: Aside from the Oline stretching cloth, Bell excels from having ben. If ben goes, his  play will drastically fall. Bell will become average at best because then he will only have the Oline to fall back on.

(01-12-2018, 08:25 AM)HarleyDog Wrote: Who?

(01-12-2018, 10:33 AM)The Real Deal Wrote: My thoughts exactly. He’s only good because of that Oline always stretching cloth. And they know that, that’s why they are reluctant to pay him.

(01-13-2018, 08:04 AM)ballsofsteel Wrote: How old are you, 15?

(01-13-2018, 08:06 AM)ballsofsteel Wrote: Your a real expert on football. You should pass some of that vast knowledge you have onto your Bumgals so they stop being Cleveland south.

(01-13-2018, 08:06 AM)ballsofsteel Wrote: You should pass some of that vast knowledge...

(01-13-2018, 08:14 AM)rfaulk34 Wrote: Seriously?

(01-13-2018, 08:06 AM)ballsofsteel Wrote: Your a real expert on football. You should pass some of that vast knowledge you have onto your Bumgals so they stop being Cleveland south.

(01-13-2018, 10:31 AM)The Real Deal Wrote: Aww poor little balls (heh) did the truth hurt you, little guy?