Le'Veon Bell - 2018

Time has a way of blurring impact. DWill was phenomenal in his 15 starts in 2015-16. 1700+ yards, 15 TDs. And he was always good in protection. There was very little drop off from Bell to Williams. He was playing on close to a vet minimum deal.

I don't agree and again I'm using recent history. In DeAngelo Williams 15 starts over two seasons the Steelers were 11-4.

I was okay with their offer last year. Personally, I would have handled it differently but once they tagged him and set his value they were never going to get him to sign a deal for less than 12M annually. But it doesn't mean they are still commited. A lot has happened since that offer was made and not unlike the Wallace / AB scenario the Steelers no longer have the cap space in '18 and beyond they had when they made that offer. As you're accutely aware the Steelers look at cap space well into the future and map out how they will use it. That offer to Bell was in July. Since the time he rejected their offer the Steelers have commited $37.7M in 2018 cap space elsewhere with the Villy / Tuitt / Haden / McDonald contracts.

I don't think you can assume a team with only 142M commited to the '18 cap has the same level of commitment now that they have 179M on the books. They were very commited to signing Mike Wallace in 2012 and rightfully so. He was tremendous his first 3 seasons and they made him a very competitive offer. When he turned them down they commited that money elsewhere and never even offered him a contract in free agency. Had Bell accepted the offer in July there's little chance the rest of the off-season unfolds the way it did. Maybe Tuitt is the free agent in March, not Bell. Or maybe Haden is never a Steeler. Bell turning down that offer made have solidfied this defense for the next few seasons by putting those two players on the roster.

Lots of speculation obviously but the impact of Haden on this defense if a very palpable thing. I liked to keep him going forward and I'd like to be in the position we were in in late August that allowed us to make that move, and the move for McDonald whom I think brings a lot to this offense - when healthy. I don't want to be cash-strapped like we were for so many years. Another Bell contract would require restructuring just about every roster bonus we have on the books and spending future money that may land the next late August cut or trade opportunity.

As great as Bell is I think there are better ways to spend 14-15M dollars. And I think we could get 90% of his production elsewhere.

 

I'm not suggesting rolling into 2018 with only Conner back there. I'd like to upgrade that room with a veteran free agent AND another draft pick. Ingram isn't the only free agent out there. Burkhead signed a one-year deal hoping to increase his market value while he still had plenty in the tank but he picked a poor place to do it. Belichick is too fickle with his running backs. Never sticks with one guy and has defined roles for each one. Rex is available again in free agency and may have learned a lesson. Maybe 6-7M in guaranteed money on a 4-year deal will sound better this time around. He would be phenomenal in this offense. Other intriquing running back free agents include...

Isaiah Crowell
Dion Lewis
Carlos Hyde
Jerick McKinnon

All those guys can catch the football, fit what the Steelers do with the running back position.

 

I am ignorant to the details involved in the salary cap from a year to year basis. Do you know how they come up with next years numbers? I am curious because it's "projected". Is it possible it doesn't go up at all? Anyone with the details, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Beach, I think Carlos Hyde would be a great fit for the Steelers. He's really been undervalued in S.F. IMHO.

 

I agree.

 

Over the last 5 years the cap has increased roughly 7% per season. It is based on league revenue which is largely generated by the television contracts that were renewed several years ago with staggered increases.

Nothing is guaranteed because few people actually know the exact numbers but most think it's fair to project another 7ish % increase for 2018.

 

Here's a little info on the TV deals. They run through 2022...

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kurtba...signs-tv-deals-worth-26-billion/#69ab5b222b46

 

thank you

 

Before this season I was leaning on adding Bell to my all-time favorite Steelers list along with Lambert, Woodson, and Hines.

However after today’s “retiring/sitting out next season” theatrics I’m done with him. Are u kidding me? 3 days before a playoff game and he’s bringing that up now? How selfish. No leadership qualities.

 

Here's the script for Bell: We're playing the Jags this week and I'm totally focused on them. Hopefully our off season doesn't start until after number seven is hoisted. I'll answer questions then.

See how easy that is Leveon, you loudmouth moron.

 

Don't be so judgmental.

This team thrives on honesty and creating distractions lol

 

You are absolutely correct Beach! Bell is a great runner/receiver but is a product of an excellent offensive line. Not just anyone can fill his shoes, but I know there is another running back out there in the draft who can fill that RB void if the Steelers don't pay him what he wants. Make him an offer and if he retires or goes to a different team then thank you LeVeon for helping the Steelers win #7. Antonio Brown is more valuable to the team in my opinion as long as Ben doesn't lock on him in double coverage all game long! Double coverage on AB personally makes me happy because it is a team game. This allows the running game to flourish as well gives the outstanding receiving corp more opportunities. Brown doesn't have to catch a pass in order to be considered the most impact player on the field!

I think the Steelers beat the Hags, but it might be an uncomfortable and frustrating game to watch IMHO! Bortles might look like a Pro-bowler and I can see the Steeler offensive stall on a lot of 3rd and longs. I don't want to even mention the Redzone offense and defense. The Steelers stilll pull through and play Brady again!

Take care,

JMac

 

I THINK we all agree that Mike Wallace was a great/good receiver in Pittsburgh. I just keep on wondering if they had kept Wallace if he could of put up comparable numbers to AB. I don't think so but Ben has proven over the past that he doesn't necessarily need an awesome receiving cast (or offensive line) to be successful. Just look at the older Hines Ward, Cederick Wilson and Randle El. They still got the Lombardy! Just saying, and I do understand the defense was better back then.

Take Care,

JMac

Bell's 15 million dollar a year salary would kill the possibility of retaining their current team in key positions! I hope to see Bell back in Pitt, but if the price doesn't work out then some foolish team with a mediocre offensive line will find out that he isn't the game changer that everyone thinks he is. Steeler win as long as they get an adequate replacement. Just my opinion!

 

Bell started his negotiations at an inopportune time, but he's definitely a game-changer! The Steelers have a good offensive line, but Bell gets yards that other backs simply wouldn't produce and I love how he finishes runs. He's not going to retire and I'm willing to bet he's a Pittsburgh Steeler in 2018 and beyond.

Happy Steelers Friday!

 

Spot on. Bell is special.

 

I have a feeling Bell is not going to be truley appreciated by many Steelers fans until after he is gone.

 

I hope they can keep him but it doesn’t change that he’s a greedy idiot talking contract during playoff time

 

$9 million a year avg on a long term deal would still make him the highest paid RB in the league. Not sure where he came up with the $15 he wants.

 

Number one RB plus number two WR money is what he thinks he is worth

 

On top of everything else, after the revelations about the Jacksonville final practice shenanigans and showing up late to the game, F Bell.