Jerome Bettis has some advice for Le'Veon Bell and the Steelers.
The Hall of Fame rusher thinks it’s time for the two sides to come together to agree on a long-term contract.
"Neither one of you are as good by yourself as you are together,” Bettis told TMZ Sports on Tuesday.
Bell and the Steelers have had issues working out a long-term contract in recent offseasons. The team used the franchise tag on the running back for the second straight year earlier this offseason, which thus far has prompted him to repeat his stance from last year. He sat out workouts and training camp until he signed the tender just before the start of the regular season.
But Bettis believes Bell needs to be patient and appreciate the opportunity he has in Pittsburgh.
"Le'Veon, you're not going to be as good going somewhere else because they're not going to have the offensive line, they're not going to have the quarterback, the receivers that they have in Pittsburgh,” Bettis said. "You have a full complement around you that allows you to be as great as you want to be."
As for the Steelers, Bettis is confident a long-term deal will ultimately pay off.
“I don’t think a four- or five-year contract is anything the Steelers need to worry about in terms of his age because he’s going to be able to produce into his early 30s,” Bettis said.
Bell is reportedly seeking a contract worth $17 million annually. The three-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro selection will play for $14.5 million under the franchise tag.
Bell and the Steelers have until July 16 to reach a deal or move forward with the tag.