When the Pittsburgh Steelers designated Le’Veon Bell with the exclusive rights franchise tag for a second straight season, he was optimistic. Bell felt that he and the team were much closer to a new contract and that this wouldn’t be like last year. Then Bell’s actions started to really contradict his words.

He told ESPN in January that he’s prepared to sit out a season, or even retire if franchise tagged for a second consecutive year.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I would definitely consider it,” he said before a practice during the playoffs.

Bell said he wanted to be the highest-paid running back in the league. The Steelers have made several offers over the last two years that would have accomplished that. Every time, Bell raised his demands.

In 2017, Bell turned down an offer after his agent appeared to initially accept. In a 2016 rap song, Bell demanded $15 million per season; evidently, he was serious. This year, that demand became $17 million.

Last season, Bell arrived in Pittsburgh on Labor Day and signed his tag to get ready for opening day. This year, he was a no-show and provided no statement as to why or when he’d be reporting.

This has led to speculation, following the Raiders’ trade of Khalil Mack to the Bears over the weekend, that Bell might be trying to force the Steelers to do the same with him. Bell turned down five years and $70 million, with $30 million coming over the first two years. Mack got $141 million over six years with $90 million guaranteed from Chicago.

Tunch Ilken and Craig Wolfley, on their radio show “The Locker Room,” wondered if Bell was trying force the Steelers’ hand in a similar fashion. Ilken went on to say he likes the group of running backs the Steelers have and he believes James Conner has a chance to be better than very good because of his desire and work ethic.

If the Steelers find themselves in a scenario where they can trade Bell and receive two first-round draft picks, they should seriously consider it. They have won their last two Super Bowls with running backs that were nowhere near as talented as Bell.

With the offensive line the Steelers have, they could make Rashard Mendenhall look like a Pro Bowler. This group has been supportive of Bell, but are they growing tired of the situation? Maurkice Pouncey says they will welcome him back with open arms but believes the Steelers will be fine if he doesn’t show.