bell is being a bitch (which I get but we're 3 games in now you need to do something)
Hold outs are dumb. I mean you signed the contract, play it out
He's a Free Agent. They literally didn't sign a contract. He isn't technically on their roster at all he's just not allowed to sign elsewhere because the NFL is stupid.
They tried to make him sign a Franchise Tender and he refused because that's bullshit, they pulled the same tactics last year so its not like he even has reason to think they're making the "tag and promise of long term contract" pitch in earnest when they literally didn't this off season. He is better off preserving his value for next season rather than getting banged up for less money.
Because they offered him an exclusive franchise tag he isn't allowed to sign elsewhere unless the Steelers rescind it, which they won't.
I misunderstood, my bad
But still part of signing an NFL contract is that the team can franchise tag you after. It's probably in the contract somewhere!
He will sign it eventually. Or it won't count as a tag and they can tag him again next year. ---