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The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell have until Monday, July 16th at 4:00 p.m. ET to come to terms on a new long-term deal.
As if you didn’t already know this. But as fans wait to see the fate of the team’s All-Pro running back’s long term prognosis with the black-and-gold, reports have already started to swirl regarding the negotiations.
This from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport:
Much of the focus for Monday will be on #Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell once again. There has been some progress, but it sounds like this one may come down to the wire — just like last year. It got close. Time will tell if they can push it over the line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2018
While Rapoport’s report doesn’t shed a ton of light on just how negotiatons are going, it does bring light to the fact these negotiations will likely go down to the wire.
Fans should recall it was last year when reports stated the Steelers and Bell’s agents had come to terms on a verbal deal, only to have Bell say ‘No’ at the last minute.
While it isn’t clear whether the two sides are even close to a deal, as they reportedly were last year, it will certainly take the Steelers best, and likely final, offer, combined with Bell giving a litte on his end too to actually come to terms on a new contract keeping him in Pittsburgh for more than the 2018 season.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and rumors surrounding this situation as it develops.