Steelers RB Bell wants no part of second franchise tag

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell isn't interested in being hit with the franchise tag for a second straight season.

In fact, the 25-year-old Bell hints that retirement is an option should the Steelers apply the tag again.

"I hope it doesn't come to that, but I would definitely consider it," Bell told ESPN before Thursday's practice in preparation for Sunday's AFC Divisional playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bell is making $12.1 million this season and the franchise tag is expected to increase his salary to $14.5 million in 2018 if applied again.

Bell said the Steelers must show that they value him in this offseason's contract negotiations. He said he would have no trouble sitting out the 2018 campaign.

"Just get the numbers straight, exactly where we want them," Bell said. "I'm not going to settle for anything. I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I'm not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I'm not getting what I feel I'm valued at."

Bell rushed for 1,291 yards on 321 carries this season and also caught 85 passes for 655 yards. He scored 11 touchdowns -- nine rushing, two receiving.

Bell has topped 1,200 rushing yards in three of his first five NFL campaigns.

Bell said a return to the NFL is unlikely if he sits out the 2018 season.

"It will eventually come down to me playing on the tag or not," Bell said. "They tag me again, it will be me (saying), 'OK, do I want to play on the tag or do I not want to play on the tag?' That's what it comes down to.

"If I was a free agent and they let me go, be a free agent, then yeah, I'm going to go explore free agency, test the market."

NFL teams can place the franchise tag on a player between Feb. 20 and March 6. After that, they have until July 16 to work out a long-term contract.

-- Field Level Media