PITTSBURGH — As expected, the Steelers have placed the exclusive franchise tag on running back Le’Veon Bell.
That designation is applied to a player scheduled to become a free agent, and it means that no other team can sign Bell. Instead, he will will receive a one-year tender for the average of the league’s five highest-paid players at his position, which is about $12 million.
Bell was the Steelers Most Valuable Player last season with 1,268 rushing yards and 616 receiving yards. He accounted for nine total touchdown in 12 games.
The franchise designation also gives the Steelers about four-and-a-half months to sign Bell to a new contract. They’ll have until July 15 to negotiate a new deal.
Bell was a Pro Bowl selection for the second time in his career and ranks fifth in Steelers history with 4,045 rushing yards.