Bell signs; says ‘no hard feelings’

Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell reported for work Monday, signed his oneyear contract, practiced and announced himself ready for the 2017 season.

Bell, who was back with the team Monday for the first time since the last season ended, also said there are no hard feelings with the Steelers after they could not come to terms on a long-term contract.

“Not at all,” Bell said after practice. “Football is more than a sport. There’s a business behind it. There are no hard feelings. I came here, everyone is happy, and we’re ready for the season and trying to win a Super Bowl.”

Bell stayed away from the team this spring, skipping OTAs and minicamp in May and June. He also skipped training camp after he and the Steelers could not get a deal done by the July 17 deadline for all franchise tagged players to do a long-term contract.

“I don’t look at it being a negative,” Bell said of the negotiations with the Steelers. “We didn’t get a deal done. That’s not a bash on me or the organization. We didn’t get a deal done. We’ll go through the season. Maybe next year something happens. But we’re worried about this year. We’re trying to win a Super Bowl. That’s the biggest thing.”

The Steelers can use the franchise tag on Bell again next year and secure his services for the 2018 season at a price tag of $14.5 million, or 120 percent of this year’s salary of $12.1 million.