Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Doesn't Expect Team to Trade Le'Veon Bell

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II told the NFL Network this week that he doesn't expect star running back Le'Veon Bell to be traded amid his ongoing contract saga and holdout.

"I expect him to be a member of the team going forward," he said when asked about the Oct. 30 trade deadline, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. "That's my expectation."

Despite Rooney's comments, rumors continue to swirl around Bell, with Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reporting Sunday that the Philadelphia Eagles have "been in contact" with the Steelers regarding the star running back. 

The potential issue for the Eagles, or any other Bell suitor, is that he can't be signed to a long-term contract until the offseason since he'll be playing on the franchise tag upon his return, assuming he ends his holdout.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, Bell's original plan was to report to the team this upcoming Monday, giving him a full week to prepare ahead of a Week 8 clash with the Cleveland Browns. It's unclear if that will transpire, however.

If Bell doesn't sign by Nov. 13, he won't be eligible to play at all in 2018. It seems unlikely he would go that route, although anything remains on the table at this point. The Steelers would probably prefer the ordeal come to a close, as it has remained one of the primary storylines surrounding the organization.

"I think the team has handled it well," Rooney said. "The players have adjusted, just carrying on without him. That's all you can do. But it's early in the season, we have a long way to go. We just have to keep getting better every week. Can't take anything for granted."

In Bell's absence, James Connor has played well, accumulating 710 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns.

"We've learned that James is a darn good football player," Rooney said. "Happy to have him."

Still, the one-two combo of Bell and Connor would be ideal for the Steelers as they seek a Super Bowl title. When, or if, that will happen remains to be seen.