When it comes to their premiere talent, in recent times—especially under Art Rooney II—the Pittsburgh Steelers have by and large ponied up and made the financial commitment to their players. One need only reflect on such names as LaMarr Woodley, Lawrence Timmons, Maurkice Pouncey, David DeCastro, Ben Roethlisberger, Cameron Heyward, Troy Polamalu, and Antonio Brown, all of whom received top or near-top salaries at their respective positions during extensions.
So it was with that fact in mind that there was a good deal of deserved optimism about the Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell resolving to work out a long-term contract by yesterday’s 4 PM deadline, which unfortunately came and went without an official signature hitting paper.