Le'Veon Bell training, taking contract talks 'day by day'

July 3 (UPI) -- All-Pro running back Le'Veon Bell says he's taking contract talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers day-by-day.

"I'm good with everything, just taking it day to day for real," Bell told ESPN.

He's currently training in Los Angeles, Calif.

Bell, 25, was slapped with the exclusive-rights franchise tag in February, but has yet to sign the tender. He did not attend OTAs or mandatory minicamp, but cannot be fined because he has not yet signed a contract.

Pittsburgh has until July 17 to reach a long-term deal with Bell. He would play at $12.1 million this season under the franchise tag.

If Bell does sign a deal, it could be for more than LeSean McCoy's $8 million, the top annual salary for an NFL running back.

Bell had 1,884 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns in 12 games last season for the Steelers. The dynamic backfield weapon had 75 receptions. Bell is a two-time Pro Bowl selection and widely regarded as one of the best running backs in football. He should also be a top-3 fantasy football draft pick this preseason.

The second round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft had core muscle surgery in March, but was recently spotted playing pickup basketball with friends. In that video he showed off his token agility and lateral quickness.

Steelers.com reporter Bob Labriola wrote in June that he does not expect Bell to holdout into the regular season.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported last month that a long term deal with Bell "may not get done" before the season.

Players report to Steelers training camp on July 28 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.