The NFL’s deadline to sign players on franchise tags to an extension was Monday. None of the big names that are currently playing on the franchise tag signed extensions.

The most notable name on the franchise player list is Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Bell’s agent Adisa Bakari met with the Steelers over the weekend in an effort to negotiate a long term contract.

The Steelers offered Bell a five year, $70 million dollar contract. The deal would have paid Bell $14 million dollars per season but Bell turned down the deal because he feels he should be paid as an “offensive weapon” not a running back.

As a result of rejecting the Steelers latest offer, Bell and his camp believe this will be his last season in Pittsburgh.

I cannot say that I am surprised that Bell turned down the Steelers offer. Bell and his agent obviously have a very different view of his value. The Steelers want to pay him as the top running back in the NFL. Bell thinks he should be paid on par with quarterbacks and receivers.

By saying that he should be paid as an “offensive weapon” Bell wants to set the bar for himself and other players who are centerpieces of their offense. In the process of doing that, Bell may have hurt himself long term by not taking the Steelers offer.

Could Bell get more money in the open market? Sure, but he has to stay healthy and play a full 16 game schedule this season. If Bell does that and produces to the level we’re accustomed to seeing, then he could get a bigger offer next off-season.

Bell is betting on himself but it is a risky gamble in the NFL. Most people around the league would tell you to take the money. We will see if Bell’s gamble pays off down the road.