Article by Antwon "Smitty" Smith
The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le'Veon Bell could not reach an agreement on a long-term deal by the 4 p.m. deadline set by the NFL, which means Bell will have to play under the $14.5 franchise tender for the 2018 season. The two sides have been discussing a long term deal the last seasons but always end up without closure. It's the second consecutive season Bell will play under the franchise tag.
"His intention was to retire as a Steeler," Adisa Bakari told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "But now that there's no deal, the practical reality is, this now likely will be Le'Veon's last season as a Steeler."
There are a couple of reasons why it's time for Pittsburgh and Bell to go their separate ways this off-season or by the trade deadline.
First off, I think that the money will never become available for Bell, who is only 26, but he's getting closer to the running back threshold, which is 30 years old. Most running backs call 30 the turning point in their careers and GM's around the league have been known to shop around star running backs or release them. Former stars such as Emmitt Smith, Edgerrin James and Adrian Peterson have all ended their careers elsewhere, after stellar careers with the team that drafted them. Bell wants $18 million a season but the Steelers have been hesitant to meet him anywhere close to that number. He is reportedly threatening to sit out half the season and return in week 8, if he does not reach a new deal before the season starts.
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| Bell had back to back playoffs games in 2016 where he rushed for over 165 yards. |
Secondly the Steelers have not shown Bell any respect in this process, which is probably worse than the contract itself. Pittsburgh signed Antonio Brown to a deal that averages $18 million a season, plus incentives. Le'Veon feels he should be paid on the same scale, if not more, Bell had over 400 touches (321 Rushing and 85 receiving) most in the NFL, so he's probably feels he's the biggest weapon in the Steelers offense, which he has a legitimate argument. This deal is probably the biggest and maybe Bell's last mega deal of his career, which is why he's pushing the envelope.
Pittsburgh had been known to be loyal to its players for decades and its a key reason why players love to play for the organization. Pittsburgh had actually prepared for life without Bell as they have added depth to the running back position. They drafted Pittsburgh native James Conner in 2017 then took running backs Jarvion Franklin and Jaylen Samuels in this years class. Bell may be a jack of all trades but if Pittsburgh wanted to move on, now is the right time to do so. If the Steelers are smart they would find a trade partner and see what they could get on the open market, because losing Bell for nothing at all would be a major loss for the Steelers front office. I think a solid third round pick would good compensation for a back that's had off the field troubles and has been a bit injury prone.
Whatever the case may be, if this is Bell's last season in black and gold, the Steelers have to make a move to bolster their roster for the near future or risk losing a future hall of fame running back at no cost.
Le'Veon Bell's career stats:
Carries: 1,229
Rushing yards: 5,336
Yards per carry: 4.3
Rushing Touchdowns: 35
Receptions: 312
Receiving Yards: 2,660
Yards per catch: 8.5
Receiving Touchdowns: 7
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