Le'Veon Bell unlikely to sign long-term extension with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is not likely to sign a long-term deal before Monday's deadline, Jacob Klinger of Penn Live believes.

What It Means:

Bell is already guaranteed $12.12 million under the tag this year, and it would cost $14.5 million to tag him next year, both well above the established market for running backs -- the highest-paid back is at $8 million a year. There is not much reason for Bell to take less on his next deal, so he is content to wait the negotiation process out. That said, Bell has dealt with injuries in the past, and another one could seriously hurt his negotiating power next spring.

Among the 54 running backs to see at least 100 carries last season, Bell finished ninth in Rushing Net Expected Points per attempt. Our models project him for 1,390 rushing yards and 9.99 touchdowns on 295 carries, adding 85 catches for 713 receiving yards and 3.46 scores.