Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell continues to hurt earning potential for next contract

With each passing week, the Pittsburgh Steelers have star running back Le’Veon Bell’s contract situation looming over the franchise.

Things could take an intriguing turn over the next few weeks as Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting that the longer that Bell sits out the 2018 season, the more it lessens his possible pay in the first year of his next contract.

But the longer Bell holds out, the more his salary for this season drops, which could dramatically affect what he earns in 2019. If Bell were to report to the Steelers next week, the most he could make this year would be $11.12 million; and 120 percent of that number under the transition tag would be $13.346 million — lower than the $14.534 he was scheduled to earn under the franchise tag this season.

This is likely one of the repercussions that Bell had to have a clear understanding because he is taking more money out of his pocket on his next deal. This will put him in the position of having to take less than what he hopes to make overall on his next contract.

Although this may be the case, Bell looks intent on stretching it out to the limit, which would require him to show up by Tuesday after Week 10 in order to be a free agent next offseason. His mindset is likely that he believes that he will be able to make that money back on his next with several teams likely to vie for his services that will drive up the asking price.

Ultimately, Bell will have to return at some point this year where things could take another intriguing turn. Until then, Bell will continue to take potential hits in the pocket the longer he holds out this season.