Steelers and RB Le’Veon Bell fail to get long-term deal done, and the waiting begins

The NFL deadline for players who were offered a franchise tag tender was set on Monday July 17th at 4 p.m. EDT, and for a few players across the league the negotiations for a long term deal, or to play the 2017 season under a one year contract, would come down to the last possible minute.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, running back Le’Veon Bell was one of those players, and the two parties were unable to negotiate a contract extension to keep Bell in the Steel City for the foreseeable future.

With the Le’Veon Bell contract situation just getting started, the team not only has to wonder what will happen with Bell, but also has to give their attention to a few other players who are looking for new contracts with the black and gold. Players like Stephon Tuitt, Ryan Shazier, Chris Boswell, Ross Cockrell and Alejandro Villanueva would likely be the next targets for the Steelers to lock up to keep the nucleus of this team together to try and add to their trophy case of Lombardi trophies.

The next step for the Steelers with Bell though, is just when will he report to work. With camp starting in just 10 days Bell won’t have to report anytime soon, and could potentially hold out until the preseason is coming to a close.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest on the Le’Veon Bell contract situation, and other possible contract negotiations as the team prepares for training camp July 27th.