Le'Veon Bell has officially signed his $12.1 million franchise tender with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bell averaged 157 yards from scrimmage per game last season.

Bell stayed away from the Steelers during the month of August after they failed to sign him to a long-term deal.

"I wanted to make sure I was prepared and fresh for the season," he said. "I don't want to go out there and jeopardize myself getting hurt in camp. Obviously I understand I'm on a one-year deal, so I have to go out there and prepare and play football. ... My rookie year I got hurt in camp, so I didn't even want to deal with it. I wanted to get ready for game one, the games that count and go out there and try to win a Super Bowl."