Le'Veon Bell - 2018

I don’t remember where the stats came from but one of the sports shows said the Steelers scored the same amount of points with and without Bell in the lineup.

 

We win more games with Bell in the lineup

 

I'm sure that's true. My line of reasoning is that his replacement is back up quality. Hyde is not.

I really like Bell on the field but it may be time to move on rather than cripple the spending options.

 

2 seasons ago I truly believed Bell was the missing piece in the playoffs that was preventing them from getting to the SB. Wrong. He’s not the answer hence I’m on the side of beloved Beachbum, smcndfan, dirk, and others that suggest looking at other RB options and using the leftover money on defense.

Also getting tired of his twitter and other social media shenanigans.

 

I would like Bell to sign a long term deal with the Steelers but not anywhere near what he wants or what they already offered.

 

52 Pittsburgh Steelers... "I'm going to work my butt off and be the best teammate I can be to help this team win their 7th SB title!"

The 53rd guy... ". I want to have the best statistical year that I [possibly] can, so I want to play in every game that I can possibly play.”

 

Nobody has a problem with Bell’s play, or team loyalty, just his salary demands. But if you look at him more closely he does get the bulk of our offense going through him.

 

No offense Gideon but you have no idea how his teammates feel about him. Just like no one knew how James Harrison's teammates felt about him until he was no longer a teammate.

 

I think his teammates like his work ethic and play on the field. They probably hate his devaness when it comes to money. He is making more than anybody else but Ben & AB.

 

I think his teammates are loyal and would never publicly call him out - while he's a teammate. But the instant he signs with someone else I think the truth will come out. We'll have to wait about 11 3/4 months to find out because that little prick won't be signing a long term deal.

 

I wonder who talked to reporters about him being late and missing the walk through.

 

The players probably knew that he would be late and miss the walk through. The media hangs around football teams like paparazzi, so they probably noticed on their own that Bell wasn’t there.

 

Reporters aren't allowed at walk-thrus.

 

They still hang out in the parking lot and would know if he showed up.

 

No they don't, not on days when they don't have access. They aren't fanboys. They go to the facilty when they have something to report.

 

I thought it was a player that told Ed Bouchette that Bell was late and missed the walk through

 

Part of "team loyalty" is with regard to salary demands/negotiations, especially when the team you supposedly love and want to be a part of long term has already made you (several) FAIR OFFERS, and you continue to decline...........knowing you are putting them in a bind in terms of personnel and the draft. Its NOT like Pitt has low-balled him or makes a practice of doing that with its top players. Nor have they cut ties with him despite a history of suspension and injuries.

I am NOT saying players should put the Steelers on a pedestal and forgo trying to earn a lot of money for themselves, but there comes a point when you should take into account SEVERAL factors.............the fairness in any offer, your teammates and surrounding personnel, the teams financial position, fans, organizational stability and commitment to winning, draft/free agency needs, etc.............there CAN BE SOME reasonable trade-offs you're willing to consider in exchange with making the absolute most money possible. Players do it all the time, more want to usually later in their careers when their window is shrinking. Bell seems unwilling to make any and is concerned with only the amount of money he makes...........and whatever "legacy" he can establish for other players and their future negotiations. And for that..........he DOES DESERVE some criticism from fans and pundits.

 

BnG, I agree with what you said with one exception. That exception is that from what I've read, the Steelers made Le'Veon Bell not only FAIR but FAVORABLE (to Bell) OFFERS.

 

And made ones that, unfortunately...........WON'T be made by other clubs after he plays this season for us, no matter what their cap situation is or how this coming season goes. Why?.......because no running back is worth $15 mil per year.........to any team. And he will end up signing with someone else for LESS money, not more............which will piss him off..........and will piss off ALL PITT FANS who will turn around and say, "WTF did you not just sign with us long term for more money then".

 

So now Bell wants $17 million a year just like Antonio Brown? WTF. The Steelers should have picked up two FA running backs and let him leave.