Le'Veon Bell says the prospect of becoming a free agent in 2017 hasn't crossed his mind.
"I haven't even been paying attention to that. I'm just playing football," Bell told reporters Friday.
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Bell is in the final year of a four-year deal worth $4.12 million, which rates 41st among all NFL running backs, according to OverTheCap.com. The highest-paid back, Adrian Peterson, has a three-year, $42 million deal.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday the Steelers are expected to use the franchise tag on Bell after the season, which means he would earn $12.37 million in 2017 while the Steelers try to reach a new deal with the 24-year-old back.
Schefter said it appears "likely" the two teams will reach agreement on a new contract. But the Steelers have a history of letting star players walk.
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Pittsburgh also famously does not negotiate contracts during the season. That seems fine with Bell, who is willing to wait.
"When we get to that spot in my career, wherever I am, I'll worry about that then," Bell said. "Right now I'm not worried about that."