Le’Veon Bell sounds confident that he will remain in Pittsburgh. The impending free agent sat down with NFL Network’s Super Bowl LIVE yesterday and discussed his contract situation. Notably, Bell told the hosts that he believes his contract is a priority for the organization, and he noted that the two sides are closer to a deal than last year.
“Yeah, a lot of it is about the guarantees,” he said (via Kevin Patra NFL.com). “That’s what a long-term deal really is, you know? You want that security. That’s why I said I’ll play on the tag. All that’s going to be guaranteed. You want to tag me again, OK, all that’s going to be guaranteed. That’s how I kind of look at it because I don’t want sign a long-term deal and everybody says I signed for $70 million but only the first year is guaranteed. So the first $17 million that you make in that year that’s the only year that’s guaranteed…”
Specifically, Bell said he’d “absolutely” accept a contract that included $50MM in guaranteed money, but he didn’t commit when asked about $30MM. As Patra points out, Bell previously turned down an offer that would have guaranteed him $30MM through the first two seasons of the contract.
The Steelers could slap Bell with another franchise tag, which would pay him $14.5MM next season. Bell sat out training camp and preseason this past season after being tagged, but he noted that he’s not planning on another holdout.
The 25-year-old had another productive season in 2017. He ultimately compiled 1,291 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on a career-high 321 carries. He also added another 85 receptions for 655 yards and two scores.
Tag him and let him walk in ‘19
Agreed. He’s so damn good, but not sure how long his shelf life is considering that position. If the Steelers did sign him to the contract he’ll get, it could hurt them in other areas of need. They also need to develop a plan to replace Ben sometime in the near future, otherwise Brown is going to be running the field with no one to throw him the ball.
Yeah, I wouldn’t let Bell cripple their cap situation. While I agree he’s the best back in the league, I don’t think it would be wise to guarantee him $50+ million given the nature of the position
3 years is about as far as I’d go for Bell. He gets hit so much and has so many touches. But 3 years takes him to 28/29 years old he can sustain till then
He is quoted as saying that is why he will play on the tag because it’s all guaranteed…he’s been consistently saying he won’t play on the tag, that was all very contradictory.
Was going to say the same thing. He said he would retire if tagged. The weed on the brain has him talking in circles.
Weed doesn’t make you that dumb
He’s a RB. Let him walk.
Use the non-exclusive franchise tag. Bell could solicit offers from teams and then the Steelers have the right to match the deal. If they decline, the Steelers get 2 first round picks as compensation. Bell can see what he is worth and the Steelers can decide whether or not he’s worth it vs 2 picks.
Two first rounders would be pretty good compensation. Is that the going rate for any player in that position or just a top tier player like bell?