Steelers want to extend Le’Veon Bell instead of franchise tag

The Pittsburgh Steelers have limited cap space, so using the franchise tag to keep Le’Veon Bell would be an issue. Instead, they are looking long term.

After losing in the Divisional round of the 2017 playoffs, the Steelers will likely look somewhat different come training camp. Pittsburgh could very well move on from Joe Haden and Mike Mitchell to save cap space, along with the tough decision on inside linebacker Ryan Shazier.

Considering the Steelers are only projected to have $7.6 million to work with, general manager Kevin Colbert will have to be prudent. One of his biggest dilemmas involved running back Le’Veon Bell, who authored an All-Pro campaign for the second such year. The 25-year-old rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns, accompanied by 85 receptions for 655 yards and two scores.

For his part, Colbert says the team hopes to retain Bell on a long-term extension, rather than placing the franchise tag on him. For starters, Pittsburgh would save money against the cap with a bigger deal, because the money can be spread across its span. In essence, the Steelers could sign Bell to a five-year deal worth $65 million, but load the money toward the backside. If Bell is tagged, Pittsburgh will owe him $14 million against this year’s cap figure.

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If the Steelers are going to keep Bell, the only reasonable conclusion is a long-term play. Tagging him would force multiple starters to be cut, along with no being able to rectify the defensive issues. Bell is a great player, but few running backs age well. Bell could be especially quick to dissipate, considering he has amassed 742 touches over the past two seasons.

If he hits the open market on March 14, Bell would likely garner a contract making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. While his past performance would suggest he’s worth it, the graveyard of runners during their second deals is quite large.