Le’Veon Bell is one of the NFL’s most productive running backs, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are willing to pay him like one for the 2017 season.
The Steelers will place the franchise tag on Bell next season, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. The move will pay the star running back more than $12 million in 2017, while giving him and the team the opportunity to negotiate a long-term contract.
Bell, 24, led the NFL in total yards per game and was second in rushing yards per game in 2016. His ability to hurt opposing defenses with his feet and hands sets him apart from other backs.
Bell is in the last year of his current contract, which paid him around $1.2 million in 2016.
Rather than allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent, the Steelers seem to be acting sensibly in securing one of their key players for the near and possibly long-term future.
Thumbnail photo via Charles LeClaire/USA TODAY Sports Images
