Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro doesn’t care whether All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell decides to end his season-long holdout.
“Why waste more energy on it? The first week, we were shocked by [the holdout]. At this point, what are you gonna do? Sit here and drive at it and beg him to come back? Obviously that’s not how it works,” DeCastro told The MMQB following Sunday’s 24-16 victory against the Baltimore Ravens. “So we just put our best foot forward and try to do the best for this team.”
David DeCastro didn’t hold back on Le’Veon Bell’s absence during post-game locker room session, but DeCastro has been consistent with this message throughout. pic.twitter.com/Z7emPbbszy
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 5, 2018
Bell, who is seeking a long-term deal, refused to sign his $14.5 million franchise tender. He has until Nov. 13 to sign it and report to the team if he wants to play in 2018.
Bell was not in the building Monday for team meetings, according to NFL Network, and has sacrificed more than $7.7 million in salary this season.
DeCastro’s comments came on the heels of head coach Mike Tomlin telling a reporter that “we need volunteers, not hostages” in response to if the Steelers need Bell in the lineup.
Bell’s replacement, James Conner, has rushed for 706 yards and nine touchdowns. The 23-year-old also has 38 receptions for 379 yards and a score.
What a misfire by Bell. There’s no chance he thought his replacement would do as well as he’s done.
