Le'Veon Bell - 2018

Nope, but sorry if you feel that way.

 

A great man once said:

 

The only one offending me lately in Coach Tubby and his arrogance and stubborn theatrics

 

But what a great display of pro bowl coaching today. That could be the icing on an impressive HOF resume.

 

I read that the Steelers can’t cut Shazier because of injury. Can they put him on IR freeing up the cap room?

 

I read that players on IR do count against the cap. I thought they didn’t.

 

Beach probably a better "in the know" on this matter. The 5th year option is only guaranteed in the event of injury, and in Shazier's case.......I think this is exactly why this provision was written into the CBA, so in the event if the player sustains a serious injury during his 4th year, the team can't cut him without being on the hook for the amount due.........part of the risk in the organization picking up the option to begin with. I don't know what the Steelers option(s) are with regard to Shazier exactly. If his salary is guaranteed, he'll be on the roster/IR for this coming season and paid $8.7 million. In the event he can't play again, or the Steelers (or any team for that matter) won't clear him medically, then he retires and moves on.

If he determines its in his best interest to retire and both sides agree to an injury settlement before camp next summer, I'm not sure how much the Steelers are on the hook for. Or if they can designate him a June-1 cut and split the cap hit. Probably a gray area here given the circumstances.

I do know this............EVEN if the Steelers are NOT on the hook for Shazier and they have the OPTION to cut him and save $8.7 million on next year's cap.............THEY WON'T DO THAT. They aren't that kind of organization, and it would be a PR nightmare.

 

If only Phil Kessel would take a moment to visit Shazier and lay his healing hands upon him... Praise be!

 

Every penny spent on players, including practice squad guys goes against the cap. Shazier's money is guaranteed for injury so he's getting paid and it's counting against the cap which I'm sure no one in the Steelers organization has a problem with. His roster status is immaterial. He'll likely start on the PUP and then as the season progresses they'll have to convert him to IR if he's physically unable.

 

Injury settlements are based on time missed. Fringe roster players are often IR'd because teams aren't willing to hold a roster spot for a player that might not be available for a few weeks. But the player might value the opportunity to play elsewhere over having their salary guaranteed for the year. So the team and player sit down and determine how many weeks they believe the player will be out and they pay them for those weeks and grant the player his release. It's a win-win. Shazier doesn't fall into that category for a number of reasons not the least of which is the team doesn't have to IR him to open a roster spot. He'll be on PUP.

And for those wondering why teams in the example above just don't use the PUP option it's because you have to be on the pre-season PUP list to be placed on the in-season PUP list. You can't get hurt in training camp and convert to PUP. The injury and designation has to precede camp.

June 1 isn't an option because he's only on a one year contract and all the salary is base salary. I imagine they could re-write his deal, tack on a year and convert the salary to a signing bonus to spread it out. I've heard others suggest that but there are several problems with going down that road not the least of which is NFL management. They have to approve all contracts and that kind of deal would throw up all kinds of red flags.

 

And immediately after posting this ESPN reports that Shazier is in a regular walking routine. Maybe this kid is gonna make it back!

 

I always seem to learn something from yinz, Beach. Thanks !!!

 

While I love your optimism Beach. I think the chances of Shazier ever playing again is less than 1%. I think it would be a miracle if he was ever able to do drills let alone play. I'm thrilled he may be able to lead a "normal" life after that injury. Keyword is "MAY". There still are so many hurdles he has to overcome to lead a "normal" life. It will probably be years before any of that is known for sure.

 

Shaz himself posted a tweet that the above is 100% correct. So yes while this is a positive step for Shazier he is a long way from being back on the field

 

It is a long way from him even walking let alone playing again.

 

One I read "regular walking routine" that leads me to believe he's passed that milestone.

 

Unfortunately the media in this country seem to try to deceive more than accurately report anything nowadays.

 

I was watching the Shazier nod the Penz gave him at the VGK game and he looks quite "wobbly". I'd be so incredibly impressed (and terrified for him) if he plays football again.

 

I was hoping that Shazier didn’t count against the cap so they had some space to sign Bell. $15 million is way too much for a rb.

 

Yeah, you can let that thought go by the wayside. Shazier is counting $8.7 million against the cap this year whether or not he actually plays. Its guaranteed, and you can't extend him at this point if you aren't sure he ever play.