Steelers place exclusive franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers are protecting the centerpiece of their offense.

The Steelers have placed the exclusive franchise tag on running back Le'Veon Bell, the team announced Monday.

Players given the exclusive franchise tag cannot negotiate with outside teams.

In making the move, the Steelers become the third team to utilize the franchise tag this offseason. Earlier on Monday, the Arizona Cardinals placed the designation on outside linebacker Chandler Jones, and the Carolina Panthers followed suit with defensive tackle Kawann Short. The New York Giants later used the tag on defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul.

Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday to use the franchise tag.

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Bell, 25, finished with 1,268 rushing yards and 616 receiving yards in 12 games last season. The two-time Pro Bowl selection became the first player in NFL history to average more than 100 rushing yards per game and more than 50 receiving yards per game in one season.

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