PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 10: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Michael Pierce #97 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST was the deadline set for All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell to be eligible to play in the 2018-2019 season on a franchise tag.
However, Bell failed to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ (6-2) headquarters by the league’s official deadline and will thus miss out on the rest of the season and $14.5 million.
“I want to confirm that Le’Veon Bell did not sign his Franchise Tender today and, as a result, he will not be eligible to play football during the 2018 season,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said in a statement.
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Bell missed the 2017 training camp when both sides couldn’t agree on a contract, but he eventually played on a $12.12 million tag.
Bell took it a step further this year by going AWOL after turning down a five-year, $70 million offer because of what he calls a “low true guarantee” of $17 million.
The Steelers explored dealing Bell before the Oct. 30 trade deadline, but no deal was possible without his signature.
In the offseason, the Steelers could consider using a $14.5 million transition tag, which would allow them to match any outside offer for Bell or let him walk in free agency. If he signed a lucrative deal elsewhere, the Steelers would receive a mid-round compensatory draft pick.
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When asked what happens if Bell never returns to the Steelers, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday afternoon, “So be it.”
Bell’s replacement, James Conner, is currently ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards (771) and rushing touchdowns (10). He also leads the league with eight runs of 20-plus yards. Conner is essentially out-performing what Bell himself did last year.
“I’m not going to comment on someone who’s not in this locker room right now,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said when asked about Bell after Thursday’s 52-21 win over the Carolina Panthers (6-3).
Pittsburgh will head to Florida on Sunday to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6). This game will air at 1:00 p.m. EST on CBS.
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