Le’Veon Bell’s Season is Over. Thanks for Cap Space!

[Stryker]

copied from elsewhere, written by someone more cap-savvy than I:

On the Transition tag, Article 10, Section 8 states that the Rights of First Refusal on a transition tag or franchise tag cannot be traded. So, he has to sign with someone. Then, the Steelers could match. But, Article 9, Section 3(h) would kick it. It basically affirms that there is no consideration for Rights of First Refusal and IF a team matches the contract and retains the player, he cannot be traded to the team making the offer for one calendar year and cannot be traded to ANY team without approval of the player or NFLPA until after the signing period ends, which is July 22nd (IIRC). So, if you match, you tie yourself to his *** for another off season, fork over whatever bonus money is due, and then have to try to move him for a future draft pick. Just too much bullshit there.

That is true Supe, you can't trade the right of first refusal. But you can sign the contract outright, then trade the player to the team you were negotiating with. I think the only thing working against this type of move would be the signing bonus. The team involved in the trade would have to accept the signing bonus to make it work. Otherwise, the front office would have to put a value on draft picks vs the dead money from the signing bonus. It could work out economically over time, but that deferred bonus over time would be the only caveat.

 

[21STEELERS21]

I don't see how the transition tag would hurt Bell's value. He can openly negotiate with the other 31 teams and pick the best offer.
The Steelers only have a right to match his best offer. The only way the transition tag hurts him is if he absolutely doesn't want to
play for the Steelers under any circumstance.

To me the Steeler blunder with Bell was not using the non-exclusive tag on him. That would have allowed him to negotiate with other teams
and allowed the Steelers to get adequate compensation. I guess they would have if they knew Connor was ready to step in.

 

[6Lombardis]

The transition tag does affect Bell's agent's ability to negotiate. Now the only deal Bell can get under the trans tag, will be between 2 teams. The Steelers, and the team making the offer. This will yield a much smaller value than an open negotiation between 32 teams. In open FA, that is where bidding wars happen and values skyrocket.

By trans tagging him, it ***** his payday. I'm all for the Steelers doing that. Also the trans tag will ensure Bell will not be a $17M player. The value should be closer to $12-$15, which is less or equal to what the Steelers were already willing to offer him, and he turned down.

He will be forced to signing a contract below the value of what he already turned down. I'd love for the Steelers to do this, just to spite his selfish ***.

And yes, I say selfish, because he had $27M guaranteed over 2 years if he signed on time. Instead, he ended up with only $12.2M from his first tag. That $27M will be more guaranteed money that he will see in a contract, and was more than the Steelers were offering ($22M range). Terrible business decision.

I read somewhere the transition would be in the $9mil range perhaps due to the missed season this year. Also, couldn’t Bell refuse to sign that one like this year holding cap space hostage? Finally, couldn’t Bell’s agent negotiate with numerous teams then take the BEST offer received to the Steelers to match? To me, the risk with any tag is a repeat of this year instead of spending our money while our window is open with Ben.

 

[21STEELERS21]

Bell doesn't sign the transition tag, he will sign the offer sheet from the other team. The transition tag cap hit is only in place until an offer sheet is signed and the Steelers decide to match or decline.
When Bell hits the market I imagine he will sign with someone within a couple of weeks.

 

[bigtwnvin]

Bell's value is only what any team is willing to offer. It will be interesting to see what takes place after Me'Veon's absence from the game for an entire season including camps and his "pump fake" antics toward his teammates.

 

[thesteelcity]

The Jets are "all in" for him, so the dumbass just may get his asking price one way or another. Hopefully, it benefits the Steelers in some way.

 

[21STEELERS21]

He might have the most value with the Colts. They look to be turning it around with Luck back at QB. Bell's versatility could make them into a contender and his blocking
and pass catching ability could help keep Luck healthy.