Le'Veon Bell settlement talks could cut suspension one or two games

The NFL Players Association and the NFL are negotiating a settlement that could reduce the suspension of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell from three games to one or two, sources tell ESPN's Dan Graziano.

No formal hearing on the settlement has occurred, but at the time of Bell's appeal, his attorneys and the union argued that he was being punished under the league's new drug policy for an offense that occurred under the old policy. The arbitrator encouraged the sides to work toward a settlement, and it's believed an agreement could be reached and a reduction in his suspension announced in the next week or so.

Bell was suspended in April for his August 2014 arrest on DUI and marijuana possession charges. Bell, along with then-teammate LeGarrette Blount, were arrested while driving to the airport for a preseason game.

Blount, who now plays for the New England Patriots, was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession and has been suspended for the first game of the 2015 season. Bell was suspended an additional two games for the DUI charge.

In addition to the NFL penalties, Blount was sentenced to 15 months' probation and attended a pre-trial intervention program. His driver's license also was suspended 60 days.

On Saturday, Bell said he "most definitely" wants his suspension reduced but said he had no idea how the league would handle his appeal, or if it was even up for evaluation.

"I want to make sure I do everything in my power to be a better teammate and player," Bell said on the first day of Steelers training camp. "Whatever the consequence is, I'll take it. ... You have to take the good with the bad."

Last season, Bell was second in the NFL in rushing yards (1,361) and receptions for a running back (83).

Information from ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler was used in this report.