The Steelers placed their 2018 franchise tag on Le’Veon Bell Tuesday, but he’s not obligated to take the field for them until he signs his one-year tender worth about $14.5 million.
That may not happen for a while. If at all.
In an interview with Billboard published Tuesday, the running back repeated his threats to hold out into the season unless he reaches a long-term deal with the team.
“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.