Le'Veon Bell After Failing to Get New Steelers Deal: 'It's a Little Frustrating'

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell discussed his thought process behind declining the team's offers for a long-term extension in an interview with ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler.

"It's a little frustrating, but it's a business," Bell said. "I'm not in a rush to sign for something I'm not valued at, if I feel I'm worth more than what they are offering me."

Bell and the Steelers failed to reach an agreement on a new deal Monday, meaning the two-time Pro Bowler will play on a one-year franchise tender worth $12.1 million in 2017, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Bell later offered his thoughts on the situation:

Schefter added that Bell may not report to Pittsburgh's preseason training until mid-to-late August since he has yet to officially sign the franchise tender.

There's no question Bell is one of the best running backs in the NFL. He ran for 1,268 yards and seven touchdowns and caught 75 passes for 616 yards and two touchdowns.

However, he plays a position that isn't necessarily compensated well when compared to the other two skill positions. Excluding Bell—since he's on a one-year tender—Jonathan Stewart and LeSean McCoy have the highest annual average salary for a running back ($8 million), per Spotrac. Meanwhile, Derek Carr ($25 million) is the highest-paid quarterback, and Antonio Brown ($17 million) is the highest-paid wide receiver.

"The running back market definitely took a hit, and I can't be the guy who continues to let it take a hit," Bell said, per Fowler. "We do everything. We block, we run, we catch the ball. Our value isn't where it needs to be. I'm taking it upon myself to open up some eyes and show the position is more valuable."

On one hand, it makes sense that Bell would welcome the opportunity to test his value on the open market. As he alluded to, the 25-year-old also has the opportunity to make his fellow running backs more money down the line as teams offer contracts matching or possibly surpassing whatever Bell makes with his next deal.

On the other hand, waiting another year to cash in is somewhat risky for Bell. He missed 10 games in 2015 and had surgery in March to address a core muscle injury. Bell is at further risk of injury given the increased role he plays in Pittsburgh's passing game.

One major injury is all it would take to significantly hurt Bell's earning power.

The stakes couldn't be much higher for Bell when he steps on the field next year.