The Steelers working to sign running back Le’Veon Bell (26) to a long-term deal. Photo Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Thursday that the team would prefer to offer running back Le’Veon Bell a contract extension this offseason as opposed to the applying the franchise tag.
In fact, Colbert reiterated several times that a long-term deal is preferable in regard to Bell, who missed all of training camp last season and played on a $12.1 million tag. The Steelers can apply the tag between Feb. 20 and March 6, after which it would have until July 15 to execute a contract.
A franchise tag would pay Bell approximately $14.5 million for the 2018 season.
“We never will discount the use of the tag because that’s collectively bargained,” Colbert told reporters Thursday. “But, again, our goal is to have something done on a long-term basis.”
Bell rushed for 1,291 yards in 2017, the second straight season and third time in his five years as a pro that he has gone over 1,000. He added nine touchdowns, giving him 35 in his career.
The 25-year-old also provided a significant threat in the passing game, reeling in 85 catches for 655 yards with two scores.
Colbert said he was optimistic about reaching a new deal with Bell.
“We met with Le’Veon before he left and said, ‘Look, we have a strong desire to keep you with the Pittsburgh Steelers the remainder of your career,'” Colbert said. “We do know that Le’Veon has been a great player for us. We think he can still be a great player from this point forward, and we’d love to have him be a Steeler for the rest of his career.”
