Le'Veon Bell likely to leave Steelers after 2018, agent says

After Monday's franchise tag deadline expired without a new long-term contract for Le'Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers running back's agent, Adisa Bakari, said the upcoming season will likely be his last with the team.

"His intention was to retire as a Steeler. But now that there's no deal, the practical reality is, this now likely will be Le'Veon's last season as a Steeler," Bakari told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"It became clear the Steelers wanted to pay the position, not the player," Bakari added.

It remains to be seen if the All-Pro running back intends on holding out during Pittsburgh's training camp (veterans are set to report July 25). Bakari also didn't detail how close the two sides were to an extension prior to Monday.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert released a statement shortly after the franchise tag deadline passed, claiming he hopes the team and Bell can work out a long-term contract after the 2018 season.

Statement from GM Kevin Colbert on Le'Veon Bell: pic.twitter.com/APTMajqdbF

- Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 16, 2018

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