INDIANAPOLIS _ The Steelers are not close to signing any of their free agents and might have to wait until after the start of the March 9 free agency period to do so, two team sources said.
That's because some of their unrestricted free agents, including inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons, are likely to test the market to gauge their contract value.
And, until the Steelers make decisions on their own free agents, they are in no rush to get involved in any serious negotiations with running back Le'Veon Bell about a possible long-term deal.
General manager Kevin Colbert said as much the other day and the Steelers have not wavered from that position. They have until July 15 to decide if they want to sign Bell to a long-term deal. Otherwise, he will earn $12.1 million in 2017 after being tagged as their franchise player.
