Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell recently backed off from a lyric in his latest rap single in which he loosely implies that he's seeking a contract extension that would make him the highest paid running back in NFL history.
"I'm not a real greedy guy," Bell said in an interview with ESPN. "I don't play football for money or things like that. I just want to be valued."
In his latest track, which Bell dubbed "Focus," the All-Pro running back says "Imma need 15 a year and they know this," which is a lyric that has been construed by many as Bell demanding $15 million dollars per year from the Steelers. Currently, the highest paid running back in the NFL - and in NFL history - is Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. Peterson, a former NFL MVP and three-time rushing champion, signed a $96 million contract in 2011 that paid him $14 million per year. Since then, Peterson has re-structured this deal, but still makes almost $12 million annually.
Bell, who compiled over 2,200 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns in his All-Pro 2014 season, suffered a season-ending knee injury last season against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although Bell believes his injured knee is actually stronger now than it was at this time a year ago, PCL and MCL injuries such as those suffered by Bell are notoriously tricky, and full recovery rates do vary, according to a report from Brown University.
Fortunately, Bell does seem interested in remaining in Pittsburgh for the duration of his career, and he appears to be confident that his contract situation will resolve itself at some point before he hits free agency next March.
"I think we will get to an agreement eventually," Bell said. "Obviously, I want to be a Steeler for my whole life."
The Steelers will likely want to see how Bell's knee holds up during drills and in limited game action before offering him an extension. Bell is on track to participate in training camp at the end of this month, and he will likely play a series or two during each of Pittsburgh's preseason games, so the thought of him signing a deal before the Steelers' Sept. 12 game against Washington is not out of the question. However, if Bell plays the 2016 without a contract extension in place and returns to his pre-injury All-Pro form, someone may very well pay him $15 million per year to retain the services; and it almost certainly will not be the Pittsburgh Steelers.