Steelers won’t tag Bell; will explore trade for Brown

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Le’Veon Bell’s time in Pittsburgh is over. Antonio Brown’s potential departure isn’t quite so certain.

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert says the team will not place a transition or franchise tag on Bell, meaning the star running back will become a free agent next month. Colbert said the team did not want to potentially tie up millions by placing a tag on Bell, who sat out all of 2018 after declining to sign his one-year tender last spring.

The Steelers will explore trade options for Brown, but Colbert did not completely rule out Brown’s possible return in 2019 if the team can’t find fair value for the four-time All-Pro. Colbert said the team will not devalue Brown and will not release him under any circumstances.