Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is set to receive a franchise tag this Tuesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
From @NFLTotalAccess: With the franchise tag window opening tomorrow, a look at some of the key players who may receive the tag. pic.twitter.com/l5IAn25Ce9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 20, 2018
Bell, who received a franchise tag before his 2017 season, stated earlier this year that he would sit out if tagged again. The 26-year-old will stand to earn $14.5 million if he plays with a franchise tag again this season.
The franchise tag window opened February 20th and closes on March 6th. Four of the last five times the Steelers used a franchise tag, they’ve opted to do so the day of the deadline.
Bell is coming off a season of 1000+ yards rushing and a career-high nine touchdowns. While he has expressed his displeasure with the franchise tag, Pittsburgh will push to maintain the three-time Pro Bowler as the crux of their offense.