Steelers-Bell, Redskins-Cousins Fail to Reach Long-term Deal

(AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers and star running back Le'Veon Bell failed to reach an agreement on a long-term contract, meaning Bell will play on a one-year tender this season.

Pittsburgh placed the franchise tag on Bell in March and had until Monday afternoon to work out a new deal. Bell instead will make $12.1 million this season, the average of the five highest-paid running backs in the league. Bell could become an unrestricted free agent next spring or the Steelers could place the franchise tag on him a second time.

Kirk Cousins will play a second consecutive season on the franchise tag. The Washington Redskins confirmed no agreement with the quarterback on a long-term deal by the 4 p.m. EDT Monday deadline. Cousins will make $23.94 million on the franchise tag in 2017 after $19.95 million last year.

The 28-year-old is going into his third full season as Washington's starter. He set franchise records with 4,166 and 4,917 yards the past two seasons.