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Is Le’Veon Bell hinting at leaving Pittsburgh?

jitter77 said:
Unfortunately Bell has all the power here

If we sign him to a long term deal we will be cap strapped and have trouble improving the D
If we tag him we will be overpaying and also can not afford much help elsewhere
If we let him walk we are letting one of the best RBs go for nothing.
If we tag him he can sit out over half the season, come back for a few games, and then be gone next year.

Best case would be to sign him to a longer term deal with the promise he will be traded.

I honestly say just let him walk. We can win w/o Bell, but we will not win with a soft porous D. He is not worth the $$ he wants let him go collect his $$ and rot on a crappy team.
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Some might recall his 4-20 post mocking a NFL drug test than telling everyone he tested clean, which was a LIE.

I'd rather sign and trade if possible and get something for him.
 
21STEELERS21 said:
You just put the non-exclusive tag on him, then he is free to negotiate with other teams. If someone signs him you can match
or get the two first round picks.
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That's a option for sure. The expectation a player has in FA is always met by a team that poorly handles it's cap. Bell, I would personally hope, would realize his supporting cast makes him better. Going to another team will reduce that. Other than signing with NE, who would be glad to give up two low 1st rounders, Bell's chances for a SB ring decreases.
 
Ike Kelly said:
Such the Pavlov dog.....when you hear Bell, you go straight for it.

There needs to be a trade partner, whom the Steelers will accept compensation. Which will be 2 1st round picks. It’s collectively bargained. Bell has leverage on the tag. Steelers has leverage on the compensation. So if a team is interested, they give up not only 2 premium picks but also they have to pay an exorbitant contract on a RB who is midway through his second contract (two tags).

Bell has already shown he would sit out till the beginning of the season if tagged. FA begins second week in March. That means a little over a month to find a willing trade partner, who may want one of the rookies who will be available who is cheaper and will cost only 1 first rounder.

Sent from my iPad using Steeler Nation mobile app
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Yes if Bell is traded I will say GOOD move, and I will also laugh as he plays on the best team with a powerful OL ( with two guys who pull as well as anyone ). and is flanked by a HOF QB with great weapons around him. Take that away we'll see how good he is!

If let go OR traded the Steelers have a lot more cap space to sign free agent veterans. Recent history shows replacing running backs is pretty easy.. We could sign a veteran back, or draft one leaving us enough money to sign an impact free agent for the defense. Who can we pick up at RB you might ask, look at the below link. And most of those guys in a Steeler uniform will average better than Bell's lowly 4.0 yards per carry!

For example, we could likely have Alfred Morris and Deion Lewis for 4.5 million total, which is likely 8+ million less than what Bell is asking for. Then with the 8+ million we could sign a good safety like Allen, Joyner or Bennett.

I'll take Bell let go, but if he can be traded for a draft pick or picks, even better.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/running-back/

http://www.walterfootball.com/freeagents2018S.php
 
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21STEELERS21 said:
You just put the non-exclusive tag on him, then he is free to negotiate with other teams. If someone signs him you can match
or get the two first round picks.
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Yes, and if Bell is tagged a 2nd time, there is no way the Steelers do it for a third time. I'd imagine Colbert is working the phones seeing what he can get for Bell just in case.

Players can be tagged for a second year in a row, though this always results in a 20% raise since 120% of their salary from the year before would be more than the franchise tag number. They can be tagged for a third year in a row, too, but get either the quarterbacks' franchise tag number or a 44% raise, whichever is greater. Quarterbacks tagged a third time in a row have to settle for a 44% raise.
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Ike, It took about a month for Coach to realize a nonexclusive means you get 2 first from 2 consecutive years, not any 2 firsts. His 1 & 4 Cleveland Brown picks this year are a fantasy, and always has been.

Signing Bell means nothing. Any team can negotiate a deal with Bell, and if the Steelers don't match, they get the firsts. Bell has no say as a nonexclusive tag. He's essentially a high profile FA, that anyone can sign. Only the Steelers can match or decline for pics.

The only thing that may get interesting is if more than one team starts bidding. Usually these situations only involve one other team. If multiple teams are interested, then this can get very interesting. I will also continue to say, the Raiders are dumb enough to make this trade. OF course we'd rather have the Browns picks, but I don't think they want to give them up. The Raiders and Gruden would do this in a second. They have $18M in cap space and are moving to Vegas. It's time to make a big bet on the franchise!
 
Coach said:
Yes if Bell is traded I will say GOOD move, and I will also laugh as he plays on the best team with a powerful OL ( with two guys who pull as well as anyone ). and is flanked by a HOF QB with great weapons around him. Take that away we'll see how good he is!

If let go OR traded the Steelers have a lot more cap space to sign free agent veterans. Recent history shows replacing running backs is pretty easy.. We could sign a veteran back, or draft one leaving us enough money to sign an impact free agent for the defense. Who can we pick up at RB you might ask, look at the below link. And most of those guys in a Steeler uniform will average better than Bell's lowly 4.0 yards per carry!

For example, we could likely have Alfred Morris and Deion Lewis for 4.5 million total, which is likely 8+ million less than what Bell is asking for. Then with the 8+ million we could sign a good safety like Allen, Joyner or Bennett.

I'll take Bell let go, but if he can be traded for a draft pick or picks, even better.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/running-back/

http://www.walterfootball.com/freeagents2018S.php
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There is nobody on that list that can even come close to what Bell does. Nobody. You keep spouting off "lowly 4.0 YPC". That's a first down every series. Take in the body of work in rushing, receiving and blocking ALL THREE downs.....no other player on that list comes close. Just admit you don't care if he stays or goes, you just want your opinion to be validated. Safe cap space.....this happens every year.....EVERY year with one player or another. I would be peeved if the FO didn't have this problem, Because that means they aren't doing their job of finding good players via the draft or FA.
 
So many diva's out there. Now OBJ wants $20+ million. Dude isn't even the best WR in the game. Maybe top 5 but that's about it. Ridiculous but someone like Cleveland will pay these guys. Cleveland has to burn an extra $50+ million they carried over.
 
Cope said:
Ike, It took about a month for Coach to realize a nonexclusive means you get 2 first from 2 consecutive years, not any 2 firsts. His 1 & 4 Cleveland Brown picks this year are a fantasy, and always has been.

Signing Bell means nothing. Any team can negotiate a deal with Bell, and if the Steelers don't match, they get the firsts. Bell has no say as a nonexclusive tag. He's essentially a high profile FA, that anyone can sign. Only the Steelers can match or decline for pics.

The only thing that may get interesting is if more than one team starts bidding. Usually these situations only involve one other team. If multiple teams are interested, then this can get very interesting. I will also continue to say, the Raiders are dumb enough to make this trade. OF course we'd rather have the Browns picks, but I don't think they want to give them up. The Raiders and Gruden would do this in a second. They have $18M in cap space and are moving to Vegas. It's time to make a big bet on the franchise!
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Right Cope. Gruden is a wildcard in this, because I think Davis and Gruden has internally decided to get high profile acquisitions to help with the move to Vegas OVER winning their division or championship. Gruden's contract emphasizes the time that's going to be needed to settle in a new market, and have the players at the same time to win consistently. Big names draws crowds.

I read an article that surprised me about Gruden. He was very disappointed that he wasn't allowed contact with players immediately after he was hired, because of the CBA. I would have figured he was aware of all the new rules that have changed in regards to the off season. Makes me wonder how long its going to take for him to really turn that franchise back into a consistent winner.
 
This salary cap bullshit makes my head hurt.

It would seem that Bell only cares about getting as much money as he can. So cut him loose. let him go be the highest paid running back on a second tier team.
 
FordFairLane said:
Why would you say not traded? Are you privy to information we are not lol


Sent from my iPhone using Steeler Nation mobile app
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Really not the Steeler way, with players they want to keep. And have the power to keep. Which they do, the worse case scenario a tag.I think they hold all the cards this year, for me this enough not to buy into any other possible outcome.
 
I would love to see the Steelers use the nonexclusive tag. I would be shocked though. And honestly if Bell was a FA I truly believe a team would give him what he wants. Some teams just have to much cap space. Bell knows this and wants his money. And why not. Good for him if he can get it. Hopefully it isn't from us. I personally don't think anyone one will give up two number one picks, but you never know I guess. If we don't work out something long term we will need to draft a RB. Along with the tag it will further limit what we do on the defensive side of the ball this off season.
 
Hines57 said:
I traded him in Madden already. Got 5 #1s and Josh Gordon from the Clowns /coach
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If Bell is traded or cut, I've got a truck load of crow for this board. One thing I'm sure of, he won't get a 3rd tag. Heck, he not even worth tag money. Too few big plays.
 
Coach said:
If Bell is traded or cut, I've got a truck load of crow for this board. One thing I'm sure of, he won't get a 3rd tag. Heck, he not even worth tag money. Too few big plays.
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I'll bet you $1,000 right now that Bell will not be cut this season.
 
Ike Kelly said:
There is nobody on that list that can even come close to what Bell does. Nobody. You keep spouting off "lowly 4.0 YPC". That's a first down every series. Take in the body of work in rushing, receiving and blocking ALL THREE downs.....no other player on that list comes close. Just admit you don't care if he stays or goes, you just want your opinion to be validated. Safe cap space.....this happens every year.....EVERY year with one player or another. I would be peeved if the FO didn't have this problem, Because that means they aren't doing their job of finding good players via the draft or FA.
Click to expand...

The other funny thing about that "4.0 ypc," is that never at any other point in his career, sans his rookie year, has he even been close to 4.0 ypc. Compounding matters, Coach has been told this time and time again. It's a clear case of cherry-picking in an effort to help his narrative. This, the same guy who once said that a particular football player would never make it due to the size of his head.
 
Coach said:
If Bell is traded or cut, I've got a truck load of crow for this board. One thing I'm sure of, he won't get a 3rd tag. Heck, he not even worth tag money. Too few big plays.
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The dude combined for 1900 yards, and 11 scores, and you say he had "too few big plays." Laughable.
 
Isnt there a rule that you cant tag a player a 3rd time.....yeah, so you are correct he wont get a 3rd tag.....
 
Superman said:
I'll bet you $1,000 right now that Bell will not be cut this season.
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I bet you $1,000 Colbert has discussed ways to unload Bell in some capacity ( Tag or trade ).

As much as it pains me, I agree with you he won't be cut, though I'd argue if cut, the Steelers can get a back in fee agency that will average better than 4.0 yards per carry and have plenty of money left over in free agency to fill holes at S or ILB.
 
ark steel said:
Isnt there a rule that you cant tag a player a 3rd time.....yeah, so you are correct he wont get a 3rd tag.....
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No, you can tag a player a third time, but each time you tag someone the cost to do it again goes way up. I do not think any player has been tagged three times.
 
chipped ham said:
The other funny thing about that "4.0 ypc," is that never at any other point in his career, sans his rookie year, has he even been close to 4.0 ypc. Compounding matters, Coach has been told this time and time again. It's a clear case of cherry-picking in an effort to help his narrative. This, the same guy who once said that a particular football player would never make it due to the size of his head.
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Well, he has few big plays. Sorry but a guy getting paid 10+ million a season needs some big plays. I found his YPR at 4.0 to be below average with the talent around him. 20+ backs did better. His YPC wasn't very good either.

Look a the super bowl winner this year. They had Lewis and Blount for far less in costs.

Cherry picking? How is a full season of work cherry picking, and let's be real we have an easier schedule last season. Most backs decline as they age. Bell has been used a lot. Too much if you ask me. RB's are easily replaced.
 
Coach said:
No, you can tag a player a third time, but each time you tag someone the cost to do it again goes way up. I do not think any player has been tagged three times.
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Gotcha. 144% of the second tag. Article i read said it has never been used.
 
Coach said:
I bet you $1,000 Colbert has discussed ways to unload Bell in some capacity ( Tag or trade ).

As much as it pains me, I agree with you he won't be cut, though I'd argue if cut, the Steelers can get a back in fee agency that will average better than 4.0 yards per carry and have plenty of money left over in free agency to fill holes at S or ILB.
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Yeah lets bet something that cant possibly be proven.
 
Coach said:
If Bell is traded or cut, I've got a truck load of crow for this board. One thing I'm sure of, he won't get a 3rd tag. Heck, he not even worth tag money. Too few big plays.
Click to expand...

Too few big plays but he led the league in rushing except for sitting out week 17 and had 85 receptions? Always people trying to discredit success because they don't agree with the price point for X player at X position. The league isn't the 90s or 2000s where you can say players at positions are maxed out at a dollar point. The cap has gone up so high ALL of the players now get paid.
 
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