Friday 30 March 2018 07:25, UK
The long-term contract impasse between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Le'Veon Bell may be getting under the star running back's skin.
On March 6, the team placed the franchise tag on the two-time NFL All-Pro for the second consecutive offseason.
On Thursday, Bell posted on Twitter and seemingly vented about feeling that he is being portrayed in Pittsburgh as a "villain."
Bell tweeted: "It's so hard to be a hero in a city that paints you out to be the villain,"
The 26-year-old has been arguably the NFL's most complete running back since being drafted by the Steelers in the second round in 2013.
The Michigan State product has racked up three 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his five NFL campaigns. Adding to his rushing prowess is his impressive production as a pass-catcher. He has caught 312 passes over five years, including three seasons with 75-plus receptions.
Coming off a season with an NFL-high 321 carries, Bell is slated to make $14.5m for the 2018 season unless the two sides can agree on a long-term contract to replace the terms of the franchise tag. NFL Network previously reported that Bell aimed to at least match the average annual dollars of Pro Bowl teammate Antonio Brown, a wide receiver whose newly signed deal last month averages $17m per year.
Bell has said to ESPN that a holdout into training camp or the regular season is not out of the question. If he does not rejoin the Steelers before Week 10, he would lose a season's credit of NFL service time toward gaining unrestricted free agency, which he would reach next offseason.
