Free agency next offseason is just hours away for Le'Veon Bell.
That's if the running back and the Pittsburgh Steelers can't agree on a long-term contract before today's 4 p.m. ET deadline. Bell played under the franchise tag in 2017 and may again in 2018 if both sides cannot reach a deal.
If that's the case, the former Michigan State star will be a free agent in 2019.
Bell skipped the entire preseason in 2017, before playing on a $12.1 million franchise tag. The franchise tag is $14.5 million in 2018, which is around where Bell would like his annual salary to start.