Current MVP candidate Le'Veon Bell will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, but the Pittsburgh Steelers don't intend to let their star running back get away.

The Steelers are expected to use their franchise tag on Bell this offseason while they work on brokering a long-term extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Bell is still playing on his rookie contract, but he could become one of the richest players in the NFL after this season. The fourth-year pro is currently the league's fourth-leading rusher, despite having been suspended for the first three games of the season. Schefter writes that a long-term contract for Bell could rival that of Adrian Peterson, who owns a six-year, $85.28-million deal.

However, there is some risk involved, as Bell has already been suspended twice in his short career and could draw a 10-game ban if he is suspended again.

Bell has compiled 3,830 rushing yards, 25 rushing touchdowns, nearly 2,000 receiving yards, and four additional touchdown receptions in 45 career games.