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Le’Veon Bell missing out on $14.5 million after failing to sign franchise tender
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Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is not eligible for the remainder of the 2018 NFL season and will miss out on $14.5 million, according to multiple reports.
Bell needed to report to the headquarters of the Pittsburgh Steelers by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday in order to play this season under a franchise tag. But the running back didn’t show up, and is leaving quite a bit of money on the table.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was one of many reporting the news on Tuesday.
Le'Veon Bell is not reporting to the Steelers by the 4 pm deadline today and is now ineligible to play the remainder of the 2018 season, source tells ESPN. His season is over.
Bell will become an unrestricted free agent this winter, when the bidding for his services will begin.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2018
Before today, Le'Veon Bell had lost out on $8.5 million in wages for the 2018 season. Today the remaining $6 million goes away. Bell is bidding goodbye to $14.5 million to stay healthy and strike a mega deal this off-season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2018
Bell is missing the season to preserve his health for a long-term contract in 2019. He will become an unrestricted free agent this winter
The relationship between Bell and the Steelers has been rocky for the past two seasons. In 2017, he failed to show up to training camp when the two sides couldn’t settle on a contract. He eventually played under a $12.12 million tag. This year, he turned down a five-year deal worth $70 million.
Last season, Bell rushed for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns with the Steelers. In five seasons in Pittsburgh, the running back has racked up 5,336 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB