Bell says he’s « not going to settle » in contract negotiations.
The offseason poker game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell already has begun, before the playoffs even begin for the AFC North champions.
Bell told ESPN he’d consider sitting out the 2018 season or even retiring if the Steelers place the franchise tag on him again.
The 25-year-old Bell made $12.1 million this season while playing on the franchise tag, and that number would increase to around $14.6 million in 2018.
But that’s not enough for the former Michigan State back.
« Just get the numbers straight exactly where we want them. I’m not going to settle for anything, » Bell told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. « I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I’m not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I’m not getting what I feel I’m valued at. »
As far as the possibility of retirement, Bell said « I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I would definitely consider it. »
Bell was a workhouse for Pittsburgh this season, rushing for 1,291 yards on 321 carries, while also catching 85 passes. He was named first-team All-Pro.
That was after sitting out the entire preseason as part of a business decision .
The Steelers host Jacksonville in the divisional round of the playoffs Sunday.
