News & Info/Headlines

Bell believes his worth comes from receiving and rushing, which helps explain why he's playing under the Pittsburgh Steelers' $12.12 million franchise tag in 2017 instead of a long-term deal.

"I feel I should be valued as a player, not so much my position," Bell told Fowler in an interview Monday, shortly after the franchise-tag deadline passed.

"Hopefully down the line I can get valued at, not as much a guy who gets the ball 30 carries and that's it," he said.

Bell expounded on that belief, which echoes what former Steeler Ike Taylor said this week on NFL Network after also speaking with Bell -- he's the Steelers' No. 2 receiver behind Antonio Brown, along with his status as a premier running back.

He has a point.

As NFL.com's Chris Wesseling suggested, while one-dimensional power backs have been devalued in the NFL's heaviest passing era, Bell and Arizona's David Johnson raise an interesting conundrum as dual-threat superstars.

How valuable was Bell in 2016?

As Pittsburgh's top back and second-leading receiver (75 catches), he became the first player in NFL history to average at least 100 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards per game over the course of a season. He led the league in both touches (28.0) and yards from scrimmage (157.0) per game, unseating franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as the focal point of the offense during the Steelers' nine-game winning streak down the stretch.

Beyond last year, Bell's 2,005 receiving yards in four seasons rank second on the team during that span.

So his stance isn't without merit.

Meanwhile, Bell hasn't committed to reporting to training camp on time -- he hasn't signed the franchise tender yet, which means he can report when he wants -- he plans to play a full 16-game season.

If Bell has his way, he will have increased his worth by then.

"I understand from [the Steelers'] side it's not personal against me; it's all business," Bell said. "It's not personal with them, either. I'm trying to do what's best for me and my family.

"I like the position I'm at right now. I'm going to play football."

And as long as he's playing, fantasy owners will continue to willingly pay high-end draft capital to secure his services.