Announcements have started coming out about NFL teams putting the franchise tags on various players. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still mum when it comes to running back Le’Veon Bell.

Bell and the Steelers are working to try and get a long-term contract sorted out before the March 6 franchise deadline. But as noted by ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler the team is considering all options.

One option that isn’t going to be on the table is to simply let Bell walk. He is too talented to simply let him leave via free agency. That means if the two sides cannot come together Pittsburgh will have to tag him and make a decision about how to proceed.

The front office could tag Bell and then continue to try and work out a contract. Bell has made it plenty clear he doesn’t want this to happen and he will hold out if it happens. But by tagging him Pittsburgh would have the ability to trade him and get some value.