The Steelers were unable to sign franchise-tagged running back Le’Veon Bell to a multiyear deal by Monday’s deadline, but they did make him a competitive offer. The club’s proposal was for five years, suggests Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, and came with an average annual value of $12MM, $30MM across the first two years of the contract and $42MM over the first three seasons, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter).
After rejecting the Steelers’ pitch, Bell will play the 2017 campaign for $12.12MM, and judging by the team’s offer, he seems likely to receive the tag again next year if he turns in another quality season. By designating Bell as their franchise player in 2018, the Steelers would pay him roughly $14.5MM. If Pittsburgh was content to give Bell $14MM per annum over the first three years of the deal, it stands to reason the team would be willing to commit that type of money to him next offseason for a single campaign.
Had Bell accepted the Steelers’ offer, he’d have reset the market at the position – something he’s aiming to do. It’s unclear how much guaranteed money Pittsburgh would have handed him, but Bell’s pact clearly would have outdone the RB-leading AAV ($8MM-plus) and total value ($40.05MM) the Bills’ LeSean McCoy secured on a five-year contract in 2015. McCoy also paces all backs in guarantees ($18.25MM).
While Bell, 25, could play both this year and next under the tag, the twice-suspended star’s future thereafter looks murkier. The Steelers likely wouldn’t place the tag on him for a third straight year, and once the 2019 offseason rolls around, he should have far more tread on his tires. Thanks to both his rushing and pass-catching prowess, Bell has already accrued 1,135 touches during his four-year career at a position where players don’t tend to age well. Nevertheless, Bell is betting on himself in hopes of reeling in a deal even larger than the one Pittsburgh wanted to give him.
He’s going to regret not agreeing to that deal
He’s one puff or one injury away. Huge gamble and I hope it pays off for him.
Not sure why he didn’t take that deal. It seemed pretty fair
If that was truly the deal offered, then Le’veon must’ve been high not to sign it.
Oh wait…l
So Le’Veon tweets that he guesses this means he has to play better. Well I guess an offer that pays you 50% more annually than any other RB in league history isn’t good enough.
Coming from a Steelers fan, if he holds up injury-wise, tag him again next season and then in 2019, let someone else pay him in his declining years. I love the guy and think he’s the best, most complete back in the league, but if $12MM AAV won’t cut it, then good riddance.
As a life long Steeler fan it is getting old with Bell. He is a unique and great player when he plays. Unfortunately, when the Steelers needed him the most he has been hurt or suspended. If this is true he rejected the offer reported he does not deserve to be a Steeler. Prove he can stay healthy and out of trouble or move on from him IMO