Antonio Brown Talks Le'Veon Bell, Urges Steelers to Extend RB's Contract

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown made it clear he wants Le'Veon Bell in the Steel City for the long term.

"We need him. I need him," Brown said, per ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. "If we're going to do what we desire to do, we need every guy a part of the organization in a helmet to be there committed to the cause. He's a special piece. Obviously, we know what he brings to the team, his dimension playing football, but he's a special individual. I pray that we have him there."

Bell and the Steelers were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term extension before the July 17 deadline, so the Pro Bowl running back will play the 2017 season on a one-year franchise tender.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero provided some specifics about Pittsburgh's final offer:

The fact Bell, arguably the best running back in the NFL, would've averaged $12 million annually illustrates how well running backs are compensated compared to those who play the other skill positions. According to Spotrac, Derek Carr ($25 million) averages the most for a quarterback, while Brown ($17 million) is the highest-paid wide receiver.

Shortly after failing to agree to a deal with the Steelers, Bell said he wants to help set the standard for a running back's earning potential.

"The running back market definitely took a hit, and I can't be the guy who continues to let it take a hit," he 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."

It's easy to see both sides of the negotiations.

For the Steelers, running backs tend to have relatively short shelf lives, so they don't want to be tied down to a multiyear deal that may not be worth it down the line. Bell also suffered a major knee injury in 2015 and is generally subjected to more punishment over the course of an average game since he plays a large role in both the running and passing games.

Bell, meanwhile, could potentially hit the open market a year from now if the Steelers decline to use the franchise tag on him again. Another team may be willing to give him the guaranteed money he seeks that will provide him with long-term security.

Since he could potentially reset the market for premier running backs, what happens with Bell could have consequences that extend beyond just the 2014 All-Pro.