Last season the Pittsburgh Steelers slapped running back Le’Veon Bell with the exclusive rights franchise tag. This was to assure that during the negotiation process, Bell couldn’t talk to any other teams.

But this season they should switch it up and use the non-exclusive tag on him. Why? Because there’s value in it for the Steelers.

The likelihood of the Steelers and Bell reaching an agreement on a long-term contract are pretty slim at this point. You have to assume that Bell’s demands are going to be excessive and it is doubtful the two sides will come to an agreement.

But if the Steelers use the non-exclusive franchise tag, Bell can talk to other teams. But if they want him it’ll cost them two first-round picks. Now, is a team going to give up two firsts for Bell? Maybe not. But it’ll show him what his value is to the rest of the league and could give some leverage back to the Steelers.

Regardless of what the Steelers do, this whole situation is going to get ugly. Everyone wants Bell back on the team if the price is right. But if that can’t happen, you have to hope the Steelers can get some sort of value for him.