Le'Veon Bell thinks he will be a Steeler for life. That doesn't mean the fifth-year running back doesn't have a Plan B.
Bell told NFL Network Friday he and the Steelers "are a lot closer" to terms on a long-term deal this year than they were last year.
"I want to be a Steeler," Bell told NFL Network. "I don't want to play anywhere else."
The Steelers placed the franchise tag on Bell last year, paying the 25-year-old $12.12 million in 2017. Bell ran for 1,291 yards and nine touchdowns this past season. He ran for 1,268 yards and seven scores in 12 games in 2016.
Bell said last month he would consider retirement if the Steelers were to again put the franchise tag on him. The former Michigan State running back said again Friday he would "absolutely" consider retirement if tagged.
Contract negotiations crumbled last summer before the mid-July deadline, but Bell doesn't think negotiations will linger that long this year.
Bell wants a long-term deal and reportedly demanded an annual salary of $18 million during contract negotiations prior to the 2017 season. He has 5,336 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns with 312 receptions for 2,660 and seven scores over his career.
