Le’Veon Bell Threatens To Sit Out Or Retire In Response To Steelers’ Franchise Tag

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that it would be placing the franchise tag on #LeVeonBell for the second year in a row. However, the running back is not pleased with the short-term commitment.

Just last year, Bell rebelled in response to the team’s decision to use the tag on him by skipping the Steelers’ offseason program, training camp and the preseason, as he was adamant about a long-term commitment with the team. But, just six days before the team’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns, Bell signed the one-year franchise tender.

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Now though, as the team moves to place the tag on Bell for the second straight year, Bell is threatening to sit out until he gets what he deserves, even if it takes all season.

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“But obviously, when the end of July comes, wherever we’re at…if I sign, everybody’ll be happy, but if not, I guess I gotta play it by ear,” Bell told Andrew Unterberger of Billboard, adding that he will be keeping his options open until the July 16 deadline. “If I’ll be out till week 1, if I’ll be out till Week 10, or if I’m gonna be out there at all. It depends on how I feel at that time and moment.”

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Although Bell believes he will be able to come to an agreement with the team, he explained that comments about retiring still stands, if all else fails.

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“We’re not coming to a number we both agree on – they are too low, or I guess they feel I’m too high,” he said. “I’m playing for strictly my value to the team. That’s what I’m asking. I don’t think I should settle for anything less than what I’m valued at. I just have to decide if I’m going to play when the time comes.” But, until then, Bell says he is focused on his music, Bleacher Report reports.

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This year, the franchise tender is worth $14.5 million, however, Steelers’ Antonio Brown has recently announced his move to rework his contract to create cap space for Bell’s tag. What are your thoughts?