The Steelers were unable to come to a long-term agreement with Le'Veon Bell, and the running back will now play the 2017 season under the Exclusive Franchise Tag the team placed on him in February.
"Unfortunately, we were unable to agree to terms on a long-term contract with Le'Veon Bell prior to today's deadline," said General Manager Kevin Colbert in a statement. "Le'Veon is scheduled to play this year under the Exclusive Franchise Tag designation. We will resume our efforts to address his contract situation following the 2017 season."
Bell will play the 2017 season at $12.1 million, the average of the salaries of the five highest-paid running backs in the league. The two sides had until today at 4 p.m. to reach a long-term deal.
