Report: Steelers and Le’Veon Bell camp working hard on long-term deal

Place franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell.

Done.

Antonio Brown long-term contract.

Done.

James Harrison two-year contract.

Done.

Next up? A long term deal for running back Le’Veon Bell.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been wheeling and dealing so far this offseason, and they have found their next target — a long-term contract for Le’Veon Bell.

After the team gave Bell the franchise tag before the March 1st deadline, most who had a platform all viewed the situation the same, and that is the fact the franchise tag would do nothing but give them an insurance policy, and time, as they try to hammer out a long-term contract with the All-Pro running back.

With that said, it is being reported the team and Bell’s camp are embroiled in contract talks.

The news of the two parties already at the bargaining table is good for the team, and the future of the offense; however, it also begs the question just how much the Steelers are willing to pay Bell for his services.

The current franchise tag total for a running back is just north of $12 million dollars. A pretty penny for one year of service, but if the team wants to keep Bell as the highest paid running back in the NFL, they will need to pony up some major money.

There is no doubt the Steelers should do whatever it takes to keep Bell in a Steelers’ uniform for the long haul, but it also should be done with the team in mind. You can’t spend all of your salary cap space on Antonio Brown and Bell contracts, not when other parts are needed as well for the team to advance to the Super Bowl in 2017.

Should be interesting to see what happens in these contract negotiations. Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on this story and others surrounding the black and gold.