Le'Veon Bell has allegedly said farewell to Miami, which could only mean one thing. Well, we can't say for sure what the Pro Bowl running back is going to do next, but logic seems to dictate that his next stop will be Pittsburgh.
Bell has stayed away from the Steelers for nine games thus far, and the team has done just fine without him winning four straight games en route to first place in the AFC North. James Conner, in particular, has thrived in the starting role. He currently ranks second in the league in rushing yards with 706 and is tied for second in rushing TDs with nine.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bell must report to the team by Tuesday November 13 at 4 p.m. or he will be ineligible to play for the remainder of the 2018 season, under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
The 26-year old star took to twitter today with a quick message that seems to suggest he's finally ready to sign the franchise tender and rejoin his teammates.
In speaking of his lengthy holdout, in which he forfeits more than $850,000 for each week that he remains away from the team, Bell told Jeremy Fowler weeks ago that it "sucks" but added, "I've gotta take this stand."
The Steelers offered Bell a $70 million contract over the summer but he referred to it as "Monopoly money" because it only included $17 million in guarantees.
"It sucks having to sit out football," Bell said by telephone from South Florida on Monday, according to ESPN. "I want to play. I want to win games and the playoffs.
"But I've gotta take this stand. Knowing my worth and knowing I can tear a ligament or get surgery at any time, I knew I couldn't play 16 games with 400 or more touches."
"It's costing me some fans," Bell said. "A lot of people call me selfish but I'm really not. I'm doing it for guys behind me or guys who don't understand what's going on in the business of football. The 22 years I've been playing football, I've always brought value. I don't think the Steelers valued me as much."
The Steelers, 5-2-1, will host the Carolina Panthers this Thursday to kick off Week 10.