Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was handed the franchise tag again, meaning his long-term future is up in the air.
Last year, Bell held out until the final hour, causing anxiety in the Steelers' camp. He ultimately signed the franchise tag, finishing the season with over 1,900 total yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns, but his late starts helped contribute to Pittsburgh losing two if its first five games.
Bell would like to avoid a similar fate this offseason.
"I don't want to have the replications of what happened last year," Bell said, via NFL.com. "But if that came down to that, obviously I got to do what I got to do. Take my stand and protect myself. I don't want to have to do that. I want to go to camp and play for the Steelers long term.
"Obviously, the people in the organization try to do what's best for them and I'm trying to do what's best for me. We're working on it. We're a lot closer than we were last year at this time. That's what I'm happy about. None of that matters if we don't get it done. Hopefully we'll try to get something done. That's what I'm looking forward to. I got confidence we'll get it done. I want to do it."
According to NFL.com, Bell is seeking a deal worth $17 million annually. He will play for $14.5 million under the franchise tag.