Steelers reportedly put contract negotiations with Le’Veon Bell on hold

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be putting contract talks with Le’Veon Bell on pause until after free agency and the NFL draft, per an ESPN report.

Steelers putting Le'Veon Bell negotiations on hold while navigating free agency/draft. GM Kevin Colbert said team will eventually continue dialogue with Bell's reps but there's no update on a deal. Rescinding franchise tag unlikely. Colbert still hopes Bell is at training camp.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 25, 2018

The development would also indicate that rescinding the franchise tag on Bell is unlikely. The Steelers and Bell have not seen eye-to-eye in the past with contract negotiations. Last season, Bell executed a holdout in an attempt to obtain the contract he desires. It would end on Sept. 1, 2017.

Bell rushed for 1,291 yards, with nine touchdowns on the ground, averaging four yards per carry. Bell is key for the Steelers’ offense, as he also added 85 catches for 655 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 7.7 yards per catch. It is unclear what deal will be offered, but talks are expected to resume in the near future.