Le'Veon Bell doesn't report to Steelers by deadline; he's now ineligible to play at all this season
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell cannot play for the remainder of the 2018 NFL season after missing Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline to report to the team.
Bell has sat out nine games while declining to sign his franchise tender. By sitting out the entire season, he gives up $14.5 million in salary and takes a gamble on a richer deal being available next year.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Steelers could use the franchise tag on Bell again in 2019 - which seems unlikely after how this season has played out.
Another option is to use the transition tag. If Bell received a contract offer from another team, the Steelers would have a chance to match it.
If the Steelers don't tag Bell, he would simply become a free agent. Bell could then look elsewhere for a more lucrative deal than what the Steelers have offered him.
Of course, there is still a chance that Bell could sign a new, long-term contract with the Steelers after the 2018 season -- but the two sides have been unable to reach a deal thus far.
TOMLIN ON BELL: "SO BE IT"
At his weekly news conference Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said he's had no communication with Bell, and "I have no reaction" to reports that the All-Pro rusher would not show up by the deadline.
"I've told you guys consistently: a reaction comes from me if and when he walks in the door," Tomlin said to reporters. "Until that happens, I'm business as usual, focused on those that are here and working -- and appropriately so. That way, I don't waste my time and theirs."
When asked about the possibility that Bell never shows up, Tomlin responded, "So be it."
Tomlin said he can't concern himself with how Bell's absence may affect Pittsburgh's postseason chances because it is a business matter that he can't control.
"That train has left the station," Tomlin said. "We're comfortable with how we function, the people at our disposal, the division of labor and our ability to ready ourselves for the challenges."
BELL'S PLACE IN FRANCHISE HISTORY
Assuming he has played his last game for Pittsburgh, Bell leaves behind some impressive statistics that will put him among the Steelers' all-time leading rushers.
With 5,336 career yards, Bell ranks No. 4 in franchise history behind two Pro Football Hall of Famers -- Franco Harris (11,950) and Jerome Bettis (10,571) -- and Willie Parker (5,378).
Bell's total of 35 rushing touchdowns ties him with Kordell Stewart for third all-time behind Harris (91) and Bettis (78) in Steelers history.
Bell was a second-round draft pick from Michigan State in 2013 and immediately became a featured player in Pittsburgh's offense.