It’s been 25 years since the NFL instituted the franchise and transition tags as ways for teams to retain top players and delay them from reaching free agency. The Steelers have succeeded in keeping their stars under contract on only a handful of occasions.
All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell is just the eighth player to receive the franchise or transition tag from the Steelers and only the second player to be tagged twice.
The Steelers have until July 16 to sign Bell to a long-term deal. If they don’t, he’ll play on the franchise tag again for a second consecutive season.