NFL legend Franco Harris: Unhappy Le'Veon Bell and Steelers need each other
It’s no secret that Steelers All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell wants a new contract. It appears he has an important ally in that quest in Steelers Hall of Famer Franco Harris.
“I think he’s the best all-around back in the game,” Harris said last week, according to ESPN. Harris was at Heinz Field for the unveiling of the Steelers’ throwback uniform for 2018.
https://twitter.com/JujusBike/status/1001906539031154688
“I know contracts can get sticky,” Harris told ESPN. “With this state of his career and he has some big decisions to make — nothing I can say about it, I can’t say one thing or the other — but I guess I always feel this can work out. I think it’s in the best interest of both parties to make it work.”
They both need each other, Harris added.
“Him being the best all-around back is great for the Steelers, and then again playing for the Steelers is great,” Harris said.
If Bell does not get a new long-term deal, he said he will sit out training camp, like he did last year, but rejoin the team for the start of the season.
“Honestly no, I am not going to sit. I am going to be in the facility Week 1,” Bell told The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly in March.
Le'Veon Bell: "Honestly no, I am not going to sit. I am going to be in the facility Week 1." @TheAthleticPGH
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 8, 2018
For the second year in a row, Bell is playing under the franchise tag. Last year, Bell, who turned 26 in February, was franchised for $12.1 million. He had sought a long-term deal but didn’t get one so he held out of training camp but joined the team for Week 1.
2018 looks like it will be a repeat. Bell was franchised for $14.5 million and he says he will hold out until Week 1 if he doesn’t get a new deal.
Bell, even at the franchise amount, is still the highest-paid running back in the game. His $14.5 million salary is some $6 million more than the second-highest paid back, Atlanta’s Devonta Freeman.
Bell is seeking a a long-term deal in the neighborhood of his teammate, wide receiver Antonio Brown, according to CBS Sports.
Brown signed a four-year contract extension in March worth $17 million per year. It makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the game.
Antonio Brown's extension is 4 years, $68 million, source confirmed (as others said). $17M new money average soars past AJ Green's $15M avg.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2017
Despite missing training camp, Bell was named a First-Team All Pro last season. He rushed for 1,291 yards with nine touchdowns, and caught 85 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of highly engaged readers, while supporting our work. Advertise Today.
