Bell done as a Steeler at end of season

[displacedinMN]

Long ass article

RB Le'Veon Bell, Steelers fail to reach long-term deal ahead of deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le'Veon Bell failed to reach an agreement on a contract extension before Monday's 4 p.m. franchise tag deadline, and his agent says that means it is likely Bell's last season with the team.

"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."

Bell will play on the franchise tag for the second consecutive year barring an unforeseen development.

The parties reopened negotiations last week and talked throughout Monday hoping to spark something, but there hasn't been much momentum toward a contract over the past few months.

"It became clear the Steelers wanted to pay the position, not the player," Bakari said.

The Bell negotiation was one of the most complicated in recent Steelers history because of Bell's leverage under the franchise tag, a sagging running back market and Bell's conviction to be paid as one of the game's best playmakers regardless of position. It has been more than 500 days since the Steelers first tagged Bell at $12.1 million on Feb. 27, 2017.


"It became clear the Steelers wanted to pay the position, not the player," Le'Veon Bell's agent said of the two sides failing to reach an agreement. Bell will play on the franchise tag for the second consecutive year barring an unforeseen development. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The Steelers made two sizable contract offers -- one last summer and one this winter -- beginning at around $13.3 million per year on average and working their way up slightly. Bell turned both of them down, telling ESPN in April that he wouldn't take a contract worth less than $14.5 million annually, based on the amount of his 2018 tag number. For months after that, negotiations lacked real momentum.

The Steelers felt their offers were good and didn't want to overinflate a position that hasn't landed a long-term deal worth more than $10 million per year since Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson in 2011.

With that in mind, Bell always knew he could play out two franchise tags worth a combined $26.62 million and have a chance at true free agency as a 27-year-old in 2019, setting the stage for peers Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott in future years.

The Bell saga twisted unexpectedly in January when the star back told ESPN he would consider retirement if asked to play on the tag for the second straight year, a stance he has since softened, though he had hinted at missing a second straight training camp in absence of a long-term deal.

"Just get the numbers straight, exactly where we want them," Bell said then. "I'm not going to settle for anything. I know what I do and what I bring to the table. I'm not going out here getting the ball 400 times if I'm not getting what I feel I'm valued at."

Bell didn't sign last season's tag until Sept. 4 and showed some rust with 3.46 yards per carry through the first three weeks. But he finished the year as an All-Pro, rushing 321 times for 1,291 yards along with 85 caches for 655 yards and 11 total touchdowns.

Bell has 7,996 total yards through 62 career regular-season games, the most of any NFL player over that span since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, outdistancing Eric Dickerson (7,842), according to ESPN Stats & Information.

After the season, general manager Kevin Colbert told Bell personally the team wanted him to retire a Steeler. Team president Art Rooney echoed the same sentiment in an end-of-year interview with local media.

Despite both sides wanting to finish a contract, Steelers players got used to life without Bell. They want him to get paid but also want him on the field with them.

"I think last year a lot of guys were like, 'Oh, Le'Veon's not here,'" said receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey during offseason workouts. "Nobody cares. We're out here and we have to get work done. ... We'll see him when we see him. Next man up."  

Added safety Morgan Burnett: "You definitely understand, because it's definitely a business. Within your career, it seems long but it's only a short period of your life. So the stuff you accomplish, the money you make within this time, you want to find a way to make it expand the rest of your life."

The Steelers report to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for training camp on July 25. Bell has used boxing and a vegan diet this offseason to stay in shape, holding off from most football exercises to keep his knees fresh.

[ModSocks]

Steelers are right to not pay him. Bell is right to demand an exorbitant contract.

[displacedinMN]

https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%22Le%27Veon%20Bell%22&src=tren

[raybec 4]

He turned down what is likely going to be his biggest long term payday offer.

[Rain Man]

Why is it that I personally dislike pretty much every player on the Steelers roster?

[Otter]

Because he's on a team of head hunters favored by NFL refs?

[MarkDavis'Haircut]

Like the NFL is going to let the Rooneys lose their favorite toy.

[MarkDavis'Haircut]

Why is it that I personally dislike pretty much every player on the Steelers roster?

Try living in Steelers country. Their fans are insufferable, entitled jerks.

[The Franchise]

He'd better find another offensive line that will be allowed to hold.

[Beef Supreme]

He turned down what is likely going to be his biggest long term payday offer.

Yep. He might end up making more money than what he turned down in a series of 1 or 2 year deals, but ain't nobody signing up for a giant pile of long-term money.

[rabblerouser]

Steelers are right to not pay him. Bell is right to demand an exorbitant contract.

But does he want the money bad enough to shorten his career by getting beat up in Buffalo or Cleveland?

I'd take more years at less money to remain a Steeler...

[RealSNR]

If Elway is crazy and/or dumb enough to offer Keenum $18 million, I imagine he's also crazy and/or dumb enough to give Bell that kind of money after he gets sick enough of his team's utter inability to run the ball.

That would be hilarious.

[threebag]

He'd better find another offensive line that will be allowed to hold.

Denver or Las Vegas

[Red Dawg]

He turned down like AP money last year. His price is rediculous and only a stupid team would pay that for an RB. They are not worth over 10 per year. Last I checked the the two top dogs in stats last were both rookies. Hunt and Alvin.

[RippedmyFlesh]

If Elway is crazy and/or dumb enough to offer Keenum $18 million, I imagine he's also crazy and/or dumb enough to give Bell that kind of money after he gets sick enough of his team's utter inability to run the ball.

That would be hilarious.

Would love that. He is going to mess up any team's cap. They will be stuck in minnesota AP era purgatory at their peak.

[notorious]

He'd better find another offensive line that will be allowed to hold.

This can’t ever be said enough.

[RunKC]

Weak conference-check
Brady retiring soon-check
Steelers getting old and falling apart-check

Chiefs finally having a badass QB-check

<a href="https://imgflip.com/gif/2e4s9s"><img src="https://i.imgflip.com/2e4s9s.gif" title="made at imgflip.com"/></a>

[jjchieffan]

I normally don't wish injury on players, but I would find a little satisfaction if he blew out his Achilles or ACL early in the season. Ruining the Steelers running game and ruining his chance at a big payday next off-season. Screw them both.

[BryanBusby]

I don't blame him. No way that dude is going to see a good 3rd contract, if one at all, so he needs to make his next deal count.

If I were to guess today, he'll be playing for Buffalo in a year.

[displacedinMN]

I normally don't wish injury on players, but I would find a little satisfaction if he blew out his Achilles or ACL early in the season. Ruining the Steelers running game and ruining his chance at a big payday next off-season. Screw them both.

ditto. Good post.

It is Kharma

[BossChief]

400 carries this year

[Abba-Dabba]

I normally don't wish injury on players, but I would find a little satisfaction if he blew out his Achilles or ACL early in the season. Ruining the Steelers running game and ruining his chance at a big payday next off-season. Screw them both.

:rolleyes:

[Bowser]

I can't imagine that this story will be an issue in that locker room.

And Pest is right - who gets away with the most holds after Pittsburgh? That's where he'll be next season if this story holds up.

[BryanBusby]

Ya I hope a guy can't walk because some old grandpa has no idea how to stop him, too.

[Easy 6]

And Pest is right - who gets away with the most holds after Pittsburgh? That's where he'll be next season if this story holds up.

Denver

[Bowser]

Denver

That would be amazing, actually. No Antonio Brown, No Ben, no nothing but Case Keenum and Sanders/Thomas, both on the wrong side of 30.


I can actually see him doing it. I might laugh my ass off if he did.


http://dailyupperdecker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/john-elway-drunk.png

[Hammock Parties]

The road is clearing for Mahomes to win a Super Bowl in 2019.

[Chief Roundup]

So he is stating that he will not rush the ball 400 times, I don't think he ever has. So basically he is stating that he will take more plays off rendering himself less effective causing his value to go down. Does he really think that any team will pay him $14.5M a year?
I hope him and this situation is a distraction for the Squeallers.

[Valiant]

Smart by him, delays him practicing, more rust this year. Good point is it limits his carries. I see him with raiders, donkeys, Pats or Seahawks.

[Red Dawg]

Bell is clearly going to the highest bidder. Who has the most cap space? Browns still? They may give it to him.

[RunKC]

I can totally see some dumbass team like Miami going after this dude. They did the same shit with Suh and gave Albert Wilson big money.

[Red Dawg]

In 2019 looks like the Jets have like 80 mil. They would spend big money on Bell.

[Chief Roundup]

I can totally see some dumbass team like Miami going after this dude. They did the same shit with Suh and gave Albert Wilson big money.

Are you high? $8M a year is not "big money".

[Red Dawg]

Pitt went all in to keep Brown. You can't pay all your skill players crazy deals. They don't affect your title hopes enough. QB, OL and DL, pass rushers are more valuable. DB is pretty valuable as well.

[Easy 6]

That would be amazing, actually. No Antonio Brown, No Ben, no nothing but Case Keenum and Sanders/Thomas, both on the wrong side of 30.


I can actually see him doing it. I might laugh my ass off if he did.


http://dailyupperdecker.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/john-elway-drunk.png

It might help them in the short term though

No O line is allowed to clutch and grab KC quite like the Broncos, just ask Tamba

[Deberg_1990]

So he is stating that he will not rush the ball 400 times, I don't think he ever has. So basically he is stating that he will take more plays off rendering himself less effective causing his value to go down. Does he really think that any team will pay him $14.5M a year?
I hope him and this situation is a distraction for the Squeallers.

He has interesting stats. Doesn’t have a ton of miles. Not too many touches until last year. You have to count his catches as his carries too. Doesn’t score many TDs either.

[MMXcalibur]

Awesome!
Only one more season of him putting clown shoes on our defense.

[RunKC]

Are you high? $8M a year is not "big money".

It is for an at best #3 WR

[Chief Roundup]

It is for an at best #3 WR

He sure showed more than that in the one game that showcased his capabilities as a WR. He is also a good ST player and a great locker room guy.

[Red Dawg]

He sure showed more than that in the one game that showcased his capabilities as a WR. He is also a good ST player and a great locker room guy.

Give him the Eric Hicks award for being a great locker room guy.

[jaa1025]

He’s getting some awful advice

[Best22]

I don't mind Le'veon Bell but he's pretty dumb

How can you be the highest paid Running Back when you failed to lead the league in rushing?

(And Bell had more carries than Hunt)

[Red Dawg]

I don't mind Le'veon Bell but he's pretty dumb

How can you be the highest paid Running Back when you failed to lead the league in rushing?

(And Bell had more carries than Hunt)

He was offered more than enough to be the highest paid RB. He wants more than that. Like 15 to 17 mil and like 40 to sign. He turned down 30 to sign.

[OKchiefs]

I hope Bell has a shit season and his value tanks.

[Rudy tossed tigger's salad]

Run him into the ground.

[Simply Red]

Weak conference-check
Brady retiring soon-check
Steelers getting old and falling apart-check

Chiefs finally having a badass QB-check

<a href="https://imgflip.com/gif/2e4s9s"><img src="https://i.imgflip.com/2e4s9s.gif" title="made at imgflip.com"/></a>

Now this is a post I can get on board with. Well done Run.

[lcarus]

With Bell I get the feeling he's gonna be good for another season - maybe 2 - then go somewhere like Miami or Arizona and fade into oblivion. Could be wrong but it's just the feeling I have about him.

[MoreBeer]

RB's have a 3-5 year shelf life...

You have a decent enough OL and you can manufacture a 1400 yard RB from the 3rd rd

[PunkinDrublic]

Because he's on a team of head hunters favored by NFL refs?

Funny how Cincinnati plays the same kind of defense as Pittsburgh yet the narrative is always that the Bengals are thugs and Burfict is a cheap shot artist while Pittsburgh is labeled a hard nosed aggressive defense. We’re also supposed to feel sorry for Ryan Shazier when he paralyzes himself trying to hurt another player by leading with his helmet. Fuck Pittsburgh!

[Eleazar]

If this is all true, I hope Kendrell will sign one of those one day contracts and retire as a Chief.

[Eleazar]

He sure showed more than that in the one game that showcased his capabilities as a WR. He is also a good ST player and a great locker room guy.

He got paid double what he's worth.

[Eleazar]

RB's have a 3-5 year shelf life...

You have a decent enough OL and you can manufacture a 1400 yard RB from the 3rd rd

I'm not sure why anyone would give a RB a big contract anymore.

[MarkDavis'Haircut]

Funny how Cincinnati plays the same kind of defense as Pittsburgh yet the narrative is always that the Bengals are thugs and Burfict is a cheap shot artist while Pittsburgh is labeled a hard nosed aggressive defense. We’re also supposed to feel sorry for Ryan Shazier when he paralyzes himself trying to hurt another player by leading with his helmet. **** Pittsburgh!

That narrative has been around since the 1970s. Mean Joe Greene was a saint, I tell ya.

[TambaBerry]

This was actually really smart by the Steelers.

[MahiMike]

$100 says he doesn't play 16 games this year. Can't wait for the annual hold out followed by the annual injury.

[KC_Lee]

$100 says he doesn't play 16 games this year. Can't wait for the annual hold out followed by the annual injury.

And suspension for violating the NFL's drug policy or another DUI.

[Deberg_1990]

$100 says he doesn't play 16 games this year. Can't wait for the annual hold out followed by the annual injury.

It’s extremely risky on his part. Imagine if he gets hurt this year. He will never get offered that kind of money again.

[DJ's left nut]

I really don't see anyone to blame here.

Evidently the Steelers even went to $15 million in AAV (which means nothing if structured a certain way). That's damn near double what the #2 RB in the league makes. The Steelers absolutely made a fair offer.

But Bell isn't willing to consider himself among RBs because of what he's able to do in the passing game. He sees himself on the same tier as top WRs and even QBs. He knows the Steelers would have to give him about $21 million to tag him again next season so he's willing to let the market establish his value.

That's a fair avenue for him as well. The good news as a Chiefs fan is that he's definitely going to make some business decisions here and there. There will be times that he doesn't go as hard across the middle. Hell, he's never been a good blocker anyway and this definitely won't help that.

He's going to have his eyes on that 2019 payday and that is generally a good thing for opponents.

[Stryker]

$100 says he doesn't play 16 games this year. Can't wait for the annual hold out followed by the annual injury.

Agreed :clap::clap: The Steelers are VERY smart to not sign him long term. Let him be someone else's headache. Faiders maybe? :rolleyes:

[wazu]

Agreed :clap::clap: The Steelers are VERY smart to not sign him long term. Let him be someone else's headache. Faiders maybe? :rolleyes:

He’ll be 27. A young guy Gruden can bring in to be his grinder. Only $17 million per year.

[Skyy God]

RBs are the 3rd lowest paid position (after K and P).

Crazytown.

[Red Dawg]

Bell was offered a very good deal that paid him twice as much Freeman. He would have been way above all other RBs. If he gets injured he will lose millions. He's a dumbass that's just asking for injury.

[FloridaMan88]

Kareem Hunt is the worst thing to happen to veteran RB's such as Bell who are looking for big pay days.

[ThaVirus]

Kareem Hunt is the worst thing to happen to veteran RB's such as Bell who are looking for big pay days.


It’s not just Kareem. Kamara, Zeke Elliott, David Johnson, Jordan Howard.

[Red Dawg]

Kareem Hunt is the worst thing to happen to veteran RB's such as Bell who are looking for big pay days.

This is true but it also doesn't help that teams keep getting to the SB without big money skill pllayers. High priced skill players are not needed.

[O.city]

I can't believe he turned down what he did. He's been suspended and hurt, is a RB and turned down 15 mil per?

That's nuts.

[sedated]

Kareem Hunt is the worst thing to happen to veteran RB's such as Bell who are looking for big pay days.

Jamaal Charles was a 3rd round pick too.

IMHO there is no reason to take a RB higher then the 3rd unless they are a sure-fire freak. Just grab a 3rd or 4th rounder every couple of years, add some undrafted FAs, and churn through them until the end of time.

[Skyy God]

Bell was offered a very good deal that paid him twice as much Freeman. He would have been way above all other RBs. If he gets injured he will lose millions. He's a dumbass that's just asking for injury.

Bell and Freeman aren’t super analogous.

Freeman only got $22M guaranteed, while Bell was offered $30M. Which is more, but only $16M more than the tag.

I bet Bell gets more than that on the open market.

[Skyy God]

I can't believe he turned down what he did. He's been suspended and hurt, is a RB and turned down 15 mil per?

That's nuts.

Those are numbers for agents and dumb fans.

[O.city]

Those are numbers for agents and dumb fans.

ok

[Skyy God]

Jamaal Charles was a 3rd round pick too.

IMHO there is no reason to take a RB higher then the 3rd unless they are a sure-fire freak. Just grab a 3rd or 4th rounder every couple of years, add some undrafted FAs, and churn through them until the end of time.

They’re ok to draft in the 1st now due to cost control from the new rookie scale.

Just don’t offer a big 2nd contract.

[BryanBusby]

Guess the extension only offered 10 mil guaranteed

[Red Dawg]

Jamaal Charles was a 3rd round pick too.

IMHO there is no reason to take a RB higher then the 3rd unless they are a sure-fire freak. Just grab a 3rd or 4th rounder every couple of years, add some undrafted FAs, and churn through them until the end of time.

I say the same every draft. I would never take an RB in the first round.