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The Pittsburgh Steelers are open to bids on halfback Le Vein Bell, but no trade negotiations have yet reached a critical stage, sources told the league.
Some teams have inquired with Pittsburgh, while others are pondering the possibility of moving to action, but none has been aggressive so far, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Bell's continued absence in Pittsburgh has raised questions about his future salary if the Steelers, or any team having traded for him, used the transitional tag during the off-season.
If a team was using the transition label on Bell next season, the tag number would be 120% of this season's pay.
But the longer Bell stays, the lower his salary this season, which could have a big impact on his earnings in 2019. If Bell were to report to the Steelers next week, he would earn up to $ 11.12 million this year . and 120 percent of that number under the transitional label would represent $ 13.346 million, less than the $ 14,534 that he was expected to earn under the franchise label this season.
Every additional week that Bell misses, his salary in 2019 could fall even further. If Bell reports to the Steelers mid-season, his transition pay for next season could reach $ 9.24 million.
Bell and his agent could argue that they are entitled to more money and to appeal to an arbitrator, who could potentially rule in their favor. Bell refused to sign his $ 14.5 million franchise offer and has already lost $ 2.6 million by missing Pittsburgh's first three games.
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