The deadline was 4 pm eastern standard time, and thus it is likely that Le’Veon Bell will play on a one-year franchise tag worth over twelve million dollars.
This move is a signal that the end is in sight for Le’Veon Bell’s career in Pittsburgh. At the end of the season, Bell will become an unrestricted free agent. The Steelers will then either have to place the franchise tag on Bell again or sign him to an extension. The Steelers have a hard and fast rule that they will not negotiate with players during the season.
Le’Veon Bell has been a pleasant surprise for the Steelers as a second-round pick.