Despite being franchise tagged for the second consecutive season, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell says he will not be sitting out the season. Bell had previously stated that he'd consider retirement if tagged again, but Steelers fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he intends to be on the field next season.
However, the 26-year old star intends to sit out training camp and the preseason, just as he did this past season.
Speaking with fans during an instagram live video, Bell explained his situation.
"Honestly, no, I'm not going to sit out. I'm going to be in the facility Week 1," Bell said. "It's going to be a rerun of last year. I'm not going to [training] camp. I'm not doing nothing else extra, OTAs, none of that. ...
"I'm going to strictly go to what I have to go to. I want to win every game. I want to have the best statistical career that I possibly can, so I want to play in every game that I can possibly play."
Despite his lack of preseason work last season Bell still rushed 1,291 yards (third in the NFL) on 321 carries with nine TDs, in addition to 85 receptions (2nd most on Steelers) for 655 yards and two scores.
According to ESPN, he wants at least $14.5 million annually on a new long-term deal. Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is currently the highest-paid player at the position under a long-term contract, and he makes an average of $8.25 million per year. Under the franchise tag, Bell is set to rake in $14.544 million in the 2018 season.
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