Niner Noise
FanSided

The biggest question facing each NFL team in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) looks on from the sidelines at the end of the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26) looks on from the sidelines at the end of the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers

What happens with Le’Veon Bell?

Running back Le’Veon Bell was just one of many 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive storylines last year, and he was a primary reason the Steelers boasted one of the most exciting offenses in the league.

More than that even.

But Bell has yet to sign his franchise tender and was absent from mandatory minicamp. It’s not much of a shock, but this development certainly is interesting to watch.

Another point of note, Bell is coming off a groin injury and subsequent surgery. One can hope this doesn’t impact his contract negotiations and, more importantly, his ability to contribute on such a massive level he and the Steelers enjoyed last season.

Pittsburgh has plenty of other offensive wonders to watch, but Bell’s health and status for the upcoming season are critical to Pittsburgh’s prospects for another playoff run.