Le’Veon Bell turns down $70 million extension with Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell failed to agree to a long-term deal before Monday’s deadline. With that said, details have reportedly emerged scripting what the Steelers final offer reportedly was worth.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bell turned down a five-year $70 million contract.
From what I understand, the #Steelers’ final offer to RB Le’Veon Bell was 5 years, $70M with more than $30M over 2 years. Last year, the offer was 5 years, $60M. … Instead, he’ll earn $14.5M on another franchise tag.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2018
This would have paid Bell an average of $14 million per season with more than $30 million offered for the first two years. Pittsburgh’s offer was for $10 million more than what was offered last season.
Read: Steelers Coach Hopeful Le’Veon Bell Deal Will Get Done
Bell was instead seeking more in the neighborhood of $17 million per year, which obviously the Steelers were unwilling to offer. He will now earn $14.5 million under his franchise tag playing what likely will be his final season in Pittsburgh.
For what it is worth, the current highest-paid running back secured to a long-term deal is Atlanta Falcons Devonta Freeman. He averages $8.25 million per season. Needless to say, Bell failed to reset the running back market by rejecting the Steelers’ deal.
