Le’Veon Bell made headlines once again, this time, increasing his contract demands with the Pittsburgh Steelers to $17 million.
Reportedly, Bell is looking for Antonio Brown money. The running back has said he wants to redefine the running back market, but is under the franchise tag and set to make $14.5 million this season, if he signs the tag.
According to CBS Sports, Bell is asking Pittsburgh for $17 million per year in his long-term deal. The Steelers offered him $13.3 million last offseason, but the contract was denied and Bell played the 2017 season under the franchise tag.
Right now, it appears he’ll do the same in 2018 as Pittsburgh ended negotiations with the back. With the NFL Draft approaching and free agency coming to a close, the Steelers turn their focus to other priorities as they discuss Bell’s demands.
This could mean trouble for the two’s future. Pittsburgh wants Bell around and Bell wants to be here, but asking for wide receiver money as a running back isn’t going to make many people happy. In the Steel City, this time of demand could move you to a new roster by the start of the next season.
Derrius Guice has caught the attention of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert, who plan to take the prospect out to dinner after his April 4 Pro Day. Looking at the team’s last two first-round picks, a dinning experience with the coach could mean you’re on your way to the Steelers.
Last year, T.J. Watt attended dinner with Tomlin and the year before that, Artie Burns. This could mean the Steelers are highly considering Guice with the 28th pick, which may be foreshadowing a departure from Bell.
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Bell likely isn’t going to get his money this offseason, and with those demands, possibly ever. It’d be shocking to see a team like the Steelers had someone that much in a position that makes $5 million less. But, anything can happen, and right now, it’s a waiting game to see the future of Bell and the Steelers.