Despite Losing Millions, Le’Veon Bell Doesn’t Regret Sitting Out Last Season

Bell said he would make the same decision "all over again" if given the opportunity.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14:  Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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After sitting out all of last season because he refused to sign his $14.5 million franchise tag, running back Le’Veon Bell got his long-awaited release from the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Bell fielded offers from a number of back-needy teams and ended up landing with the New York Jets at the start of NFL free agency.

The 27-year-old’s deal, four years for $52.5 million with the potential to earn as much as $61 million, includes $35 million in guaranteed cash.

Not a bad payday. But, it’s also substantially less than the three-time Pro Bowler would have made if he had signed his tag with the Steelers and suited up last season.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer has the details:

But, despite the money he left on the table, Bell said he wouldn’t do things anything differently.

“The decision I made is the decision I would do all over again,” Bell said. “I don’t regret anything that happened. Everything has happened for a reason up until this point. Who’s to say if I played last year, if I do go out and play one a one-year franchise tag, if I do get hurt, do I end up in this position today, being with the New York Jets on a beautiful deal?  On the other side of it, if I go out there and play on the franchise tag and I get another 400 [touches] … and I come out of the season healthy, who’s to say what team is going to take me after another 400 [touches]? So, like I said, I’ve contemplated on everything I’ve done. … I don’t regret one thing. I’m happy where I’m at and the decision I made.”

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