As reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Steelers star running back Le'Veon Bell has claimed that he would legitimately consider retirement if he is forced to play on a franchise tag once again next season as he was this season.
Le'Veon Bell told @ESPN he might sit out 2018 or retire if franchise tagged again https://t.co/cKOJA0b1Cv
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 11, 2018
As made abundantly clear by the hold out and some comments that he has made in the past, Bell believes that he should not be make the small amounts of money that he would be if he were playing under a Steelers franchise tag. It is also clear that he is deserving of more money than the Steelers would pay him if he were on the tag.
Bell finished his 2017-2018 season with 1,291 yards and 9 touchdowns on the ground, along with 655 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving.
The reports came at an, admittedly, bad time. The Steelers are getting ready for a big playoff run that could be one of their last chances at a ring in a long time as the future of Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is very foggy. While the reports should not be a huge deal, no distraction at this time is a good one. The team should be focused on the games ahead and not on next season; they have to get through this one first. They are currently gearing up to to face one of the top defenses in the NFL in the Jacksonville Jaguars this Sunday.
Hopefully the Steelers will find a way to sign him in the offseason. Losing such a key player could be catastrophic for the AFC powerhouse. Whether it means players taking pay cuts, or the team having to cut loose some other players, Bell needs to be a necessity once the offseason comes.
