Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell is essentially betting that a team will to pay him at least $58MM on a four-year deal in free agency next year. However, he can’t necessarily bank on that, Joel Corry of CBSSports.com explains, citing DeMarco Murray as an example.
After being named 2014’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Murray didn’t find the riches he thought he would thanks to the devaluation of running backs and his mileage. If Bell plays a full season he’ll also crank up the odometer significantly, and that could negatively affect his value next March.
When Bell hits the open market, Corry suggests that the Colts, Jets, Texans, Browns, and Raiders will be among the teams with serious interest in signing him.
Here’s more from the AFC:
- The Jets have nearly $20MM in cap room to work with, but they’re unlikely to land Seahawks safety Earl Thomas, NJ.com’s Ryan Dunleavy writes. For all of the Jets question marks, safety is actually one of their bright spots thanks to the presence of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye. Thomas would make any team better, but the Jets would be better served by putting their resources in another direction. Dunleavy also explains why New Jersey’s other favorite teams – the Giants and Eagles – aren’t likely to deal for the multiple-time Pro Bowler.
- Colts defensive end Chris McCain was arraigned this week on two misdemeanor battery charges stemming from a January incident in L.A., Stephen Holder of the Indy Star tweets. McCain pleaded not guilty and was ordered by the court to stay minimum of 100 yards away from the alleged victim. The next hearing for McCain, who was held out of Colts minicamp in June, is scheduled for Aug. 21.
- Former Jets and Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis retired from the NFL on Wednesday.
I hope Bell goes to the Jets. Let’s see his numbers there.
he can bank on it, he’s the best RB in the game. To compare him to Murray is pure insanity.
Murray was the offensive player of the year in 2014 and coming off a 1800+ yard season.
Browns signed Carlos Hyde, extended Duke Johnson and drafted Nick Chubb. Why would the browns invest $14MM AAV in a bell cow back next year? Count the browns out of the Bell sweepstakes.
Count the browns out, add Texans.
Win/win for both sides. Steelers don’t cripple themselves with a long-term, above market deal for a RB, Bell gets to bet on himself and hopefully cash in.
Though my opinion is that Bell made a massive mistake, hopefully he proves me wrong. The Steelers will be giving him >400 carries this season to prove it.