Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell still hasn't signed a long-term contract, and he seems to be willing to go great lengths if the front office doesn't step up with an offer that pleases the three-time Pro Bowler.

Appearing on SiriusXM Radio, ESPN's Adam Schefter (h/t Ross Tucker), reported that Bell could be willing to sit out the first half of 2018 " if he doesn't get a long term deal done," because "the goal at that point would be to hit 2019 free agency healthy, not rack up another 400 touches."

Bell is by far the most dominant and complete running back in the NFL, as he, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and star wide receiver Antonio Brown have formed the best offensive trio in the league. But Bell and the Steelers front office have often butted heads, as they continue to struggle in finding middle ground on a long-term contract.

Bell would either play 2018 under the $14.5 million franchise tag, or else he could decide to hold out. The Steelers offense doesn't run the same engine without Bell, so he holds the leverage here as the front office tries to work on a deal that will entice him enough.

Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

 

The 26-year-old rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2014, 2016 and 2017, (he was limited to six games in 2015) and even racked up over 600 receiving yards in those seasons as well. No running back in the NFL can change a game as quickly as Bell, so it's easy to understand why he's willing to hold out until he gets paid top dollar.

Pittsburgh's championship window is only open for so many more years, as Roethlisberger (now 36) and Brown (30), have just a handful of prime years left. With the AFC having more parity in 2018 and beyond, the Steelers have to try and keep the core together. As such, signing Bell long-term may be their only option.

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