Le'Veon Bell is prepared to stay away from the Steelers much longer than last season when he didn't sign his franchise tender until the week before the start of the regular season.

Bell told Billboard.com that he might not join the team until at least halfway through the 2018 regular season when league rules dictate he must sign his franchise tag in order to accrue an NFL season. Bell previously told ESPN that he would consider sitting out the season or retiring rather than play under the terms of the franchise tag.

Good talk with @Billboard about my recent project #NoAnnouncement Check it out https://t.co/3IEEZ6L43L pic.twitter.com/QosBoglrYX

— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 6, 2018

The Steelers used the franchise tag on Tuesday for the second year in a row, setting Bell's salary at $14.54 million. If the Steelers and the All-Pro running back don't agree to a long-term contract by July 16, he must play the season under the terms of the franchise tag.

"When the end of July comes, wherever we're at ... if I sign, everybody'll be happy, but if not, I guess I gotta play it by ear," Bell told Billboard. "If I'll be out till Week One, if I'll be out till Week Ten, or if I'm gonna be there at all. It depends on how I feel at that time and moment."

The Billboard interview was part of Bell's latest rap project. Bell also added that he's "definitely hoping for something to get done" with the Steelers before the July 16 deadline.

As long as Bell refuses to sign the franchise tender, the Steelers have the option of rescinding it. That could come into play this year if they sign a running back in free agent or select one in the April draft.

Can also confirm that the Steelers officially have placed franchise tag on Le'Veon @LeVeonBell

— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) March 6, 2018

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