Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell made headlines when he implied through lyrics in a rap song that he desires to be paid $15 million per year. The line appeared to relate to his contract status, as Bell states that he is among the top running backs in the NFL, and that they (who people can assume to be Pittsburgh) know this.
But, away from the lyrics of rap music, Bell has since stated that there is no magic $15 million number for his next contract, and is eager to get his deal done soon. He has also made it clear that he wants to remain a Steeler.
“I’m not a real greedy guy. I don’t play football just for money or things like that,” Bell said, via James Walkers of ESPN.com. “I just want to be valued. Wherever it is — whether its $15 million or lower or higher, whatever it is — I think we will get to an agreement eventually.”
“Obviously, I want to be a Steeler for my whole life,” Bell said. “My family grew up Pittsburgh Steelers fans, and it’s crazy I even got drafted there. So I want to be with them and hopefully we’ll reach an agreement. But that will take place once that time comes.”
Bell has been recovering from a torn MCL he suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals back in November, and, by all indications, he appears to be close to full strength and prepared to start out the season. There is no doubting Bell’s value as a running back, but the question will be whether he gets the contract he desires.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Bell still has plenty left at age 24 and is due for a pay day. If the two sides can’t negotiate a long-term deal, the Steelers could opt to use the franchise tag to keep him another year before extending him. Despite two knee injuries the past two seasons, the Steelers are undeniably one of the NFL’s best offenses with him in the backfield, and reaching an agreement with him is sure to be one of their main priorities over the next year.
