The day that has been looming since the 2017 season concluded will finally be here on Monday. That will be the day the Steelers and Le'Veon Bell will either come to an agreement or he will hold out until the first week of September.
The number currently being talked about the most is 14.5 million per year. That seems to be the lowest number that Bell is willing to take per season. He also reportedly wants it all guaranteed which is something the Steelers have never done before. Their unwillingness to give guaranteed contracts could come down to the reason Bell leaves Pittsburgh following this season.
Much of the focus for Monday will be on #Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell once again. There has been some progress, but it sounds like this one may come down to the wire — just like last year. It got close. Time will tell if they can push it over the line.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 14, 2018
Teams across the NFL have been throwing out guaranteed money to attract big name free agents for years now, but with the Steelers usually tight cap situation they aren't ever in the bidding for big names. They've been able to keep their own players without issuing guaranteed money, but with big signing bonuses instead.
Bell has been on record a few times since January's Pro Bowl stating he wishes to finish his career in Pittsburgh and that the two teams were closer than last season. Whether that is all just talk or not remains to be seen.
We will find out on Monday.
Make sure you follow along with us on Monday for the lastest on Bell and his contact situation.
