Rooney says Steelers want long-term deal with Bell

Running back Le'Veon Bell, who is about to become a free agent, said last week that he would like to reach agreement on a long-term contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers President Art Rooney II told reporters on Wednesday that the team is thinking the same thing.

"With every signing we do, we look at all the facts," Rooney said about Bell's deal. "The player on the other side is looking at the same things. The bottom line is, can you come together and have a meeting of the minds? That's what we've got to work on.

"... I think the good news is both sides want to get something done here, and hopefully that will lead to us getting it done."

Rooney added that it is possible the Steelers would put the franchise tag on Bell, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons with the team, but that the team would "like to have a long-term contract with Le'Veon. ... We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

After the Steelers' season ended with a loss to Jacksonville in the playoffs, there was talk Bell might be headed elsewhere because he missed most of the final walk-through practice, but apparently that won't happen.