Steelers, Bell Fail to Reach Long-Term Deal Before Deadline

[Slaine]

PFT speculating the Steelers could rescind the tag before Bell signs. The problem with doing that is that then he would truly be UFA and it would **** us for this season. It would give someone a player like we got in Haden last year. The question would become who can pay him the most the tightest to the start of the season.

He's going to come in and do the same **** he did last year.

I don't have high hopes for Samuels doing anything for us this year beyond occasional spot duty. Conner showed he could rip off some runs but his pass protection was garbage and he doesn't have the hands to be the check down receiver Bell is. That in and of itself is really why Le'Veon is valuing himself higher than other RBs. He can do all 3 things asked of him very well.

With Ben's window rapidly closing, we need Bell for this season and really can't afford to rescind the tag or trade him. Run him til his wheels fall off and we will take the compensatory pick in 20'.

I hope we do rescind the tag.

We are in the hole for $14M and he could legitimately show up for games 9-16 and would still get all $14M. The way he is talking that tag would be off the table before he could sign it. Next man up.

Plus we could bring in Alfred Morris or Orleans Darkwa (NYG - https://youtu.be/20PbaSuoGQc) as veteran backups once that $14M is off the cap and put that money towards signing people that actually want to be here.

 

[madinsomniac]

Here is what they will do... nothing... he will play this season... he will probably play every game hoping to have an mvp season.... the steelers will offer him the same contract they just did and if he gets a better offer he will take it. If not he will sign here.... its not rocket science... its how the steelers do business... set a value to the player and repeatedly stick around that value

 

[oicu8ad]

y o u c a n ' t t r a d e h i m. H e i s n ' t u n d e r c o n t r a c t.

Not only that, even if he did sign, and we got a trade offer, one that would be mutually beneficial to Le'MEon and the Steelers, Le'MEon would just **** on the deal. He would turn it down and blow up the whole thing. He is UNTRADEABLE. I think the ************ has a screw loose.

 

[Stryker]

Rescinding the tag is dumb.

You lose a top 5 talent for the season, and you get zero draft compensation. It's a lose lose.

Only a sign a trade has value.

And Coach, you keep harping on Bell's 4.0 YPR, but you fail to realize he improved in the toughest months to 4.9ypr when it mattered. Kind of deflates your argument a bit.

 

[Pollardo40]

This only makes me more excited for pre-season. I really want to see how Conner and Jaylen Samuels run together. That could be deadly with also the undrafted rookie Jarvion Franklin. As much as I hate to say it, Bells not durable. He could be injured again this season and regret not cashing in. A youth movement is coming, we have a lot of versatile talent in that backfield.

 

[Steeler Pride]

This only makes me more excited for pre-season. I really want to see how Conner and Jaylen Samuels run together. That could be deadly with also the undrafted rookie Jarvion Franklin. As much as I hate to say it, Bells not durable. He could be injured again this season and regret not cashing in. A youth movement is coming, we have a lot of versatile talent in that backfield.

If Conner, Franklin, and Samuels is the youth movement we are in a world of hurt. Conner was hurt pretty much all of last year while barely carrying any load. The Steelers should have been looking for a legitimate replacement long before now.

 

[Drink IRON City]

This only makes me more excited for pre-season. I really want to see how Conner and Jaylen Samuels run together. That could be deadly with also the undrafted rookie Jarvion Franklin. As much as I hate to say it, Bells not durable. He could be injured again this season and regret not cashing in. A youth movement is coming, we have a lot of versatile talent in that backfield.

If you are implying James Conner is more durable than BELL, then you are wrong. Conner hasn't shown any source of durability in his NFL career to date. He missed most of last year due to injury........ I'm not dissing JAMES CONNER but until he is proven durable I wouldn't make that comparison just yet. A lot of us LOVE James Conner and a part of that is his back story, who wouldn't want him to succeed.........BELL will be our feature back this season and gone next.



Salute the nation

 

[Troglodyte]

I can’t decide if I’m more grateful that Bell declined the offer, or I’m more disappointed that the Steelers thought it was wise to make such an offer. Not real confident in the front office right now.

 

[SteelerInLebanon]

I hope we do rescind the tag.

We are in the hole for $14M and he could legitimately show up for games 9-16 and would still get all $14M. The way he is talking that tag would be off the table before he could sign it. Next man up.

Plus we could bring in Alfred Morris or Orleans Darkwa (NYG - https://youtu.be/20PbaSuoGQc) as veteran backups once that $14M is off the cap and put that money towards signing people that actually want to be here.

I Believe you are incorrect multiple articles I have read say for each regular season game missed he loses a portion of the tag if he is still unsigned.

 

[thesteelcity]

I can’t decide if I’m more grateful that Bell declined the offer, or I’m more disappointed that the Steelers thought it was wise to make such an offer. Not real confident in the front office right now.

I'm grateful he declined that huge contract, but don't blame the team for trying to sign their man. Lev is special, no denying that. If they didn't even try, then I would be more disappointed. They gave it a good effort. Above and beyond what they should have, personally.

 

[Troglodyte]

I'm grateful he declined that huge contract, but don't blame the team for trying to sign their man. Lev is special, no denying that. If they didn't even try, then I would be more disappointed. They gave it a good effort. Above and beyond what they should have, personally.

Special is fleeting, signing bonus’ linger. In this day and age of the salary cap, overspending is much more likely to bite you in the *** than help you.

I can’t help but wonder if the offer was to maintain Star power and putting ***** in the seats for a team that saw a decline in attendance.

 

[Coach]

Bell’s production is mainly based on getting the ball more often than his peers. However, his yards per rush on a very talented OL with skill players and Ben to worry about is just 4.0 yards. And his yards per catch is below most other running backs. Given his age and miles, I would rather have other backs on the team, and his hefty contact of 14.5 is well beyond what his peers are making.

I never liked Me’von’s off the field stuff, lying to the fans, and me first everyone else fifteenth type of view. He’s still the same guy who can’t pick up 3rd and short or 4th and 1 when it counts.

I hope he goes to a bad team next year. He deserves the NY Jets or Cleveland Browns. One quick prediction, he won't be as good on another team. . If this wasn't a super bowl type of team, I'd be okay with Rooney pulling the deal, and letting*Mr. Selfish sit out the season. And heck yes, I'm for a trade. Until then go Samuels and Conner!

Coach, a lot here makes sense except the part of wishing bad onto someone else, player or not. Choose to root for or against but not the hope for negative in other's lives. When he leaves then he is no concern of ours. I highly doubt he will succeed where ever he goes.


Salute the nation

I don't wish him an injury, but I do think Mr. Bell has a long overdue date with lady karma.

Will I roof for him? Sure, if Bell plays the Ravens, I'll hope his team wins, or if he plays a AFC bound playoff team I hope he does well and that teams wins, as it helps the Steelers. This only makes sense.

Remember this is a man who lied to his team, and takes shots at them with social media. I predict most Steelers fans will turn on him once he exits. I’m not disputing Bell wasn’t a very good player, I’m saying he was a lousy Steeler.

 

[thesteelcity]

Special is fleeting, signing bonus’ linger. In this day and age of the salary cap, overspending is much more likely to bite you in the *** than help you.

I can’t help but wonder if the offer was to maintain Star power and putting ***** in the seats for a team that saw a decline in attendance.

That is why I'm glad he didn't sign. That inflated salary weakens other parts of your team. I can see them wanting to keep the Killer B's around as long as possible and even after Ben is retired, Rudolph should be the heir apparent. The core would have been intact. How effective is another story.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

That is why I'm glad he didn't sign. That inflated salary weakens other parts of your team. I can see them wanting to keep the Killer B's around as long as possible and even after Ben is retired, Rudolph should be the heir apparent. The core would have been intact. How effective is another story.

If there wasn't a salary cap I'd say pay the man. However the Ravens show what happens when you tie up too much money in one player.

 

[fedderone]

We are in the hole for $14M and he could legitimately show up for games 9-16 and would still get all $14M.

This is incorrect.
In order to collect all 14 million, he has to sign the tag and then report, practice, and dress and/or be on the sidelines in sweats for all 16 of our games.
If he sits out to save his body wear and tear, he is required to show up before week 10 to get accrued credit for a full season so he can become a UFA next year.
But if he chooses not to show up, for each game he misses, he loses $875,000.00.

 

[warriors42]

This is incorrect.
In order to collect all 14 million, he has to sign the tag and then report, practice, and dress and/or be on the sidelines in sweats for all 16 of our games.
If he sits out to save his body wear and tear, he is required to show up before week 10 to get accrued credit for a full season so he can become a UFA next year.
But if he chooses not to show up, for each game he misses, he loses $875,000.00.

I went to the NFL rulebook, (I got unlazy) and I was wrong in what I said before. You are correct about losing 875.000.00 a week. I should have double checked before I posted. my apologies to all.

 

[warriors42]

I think Bell had made up his mind last year that he was going to test free agency. I guess we answered the question about greed. Bell is good no doubt, but he doesn't have Barry Sanders running ability or Antonio Brown receiving ability but wants to be paid like a top ten QB. He is not worth more than Ben or Brown. **** Bell I hope he goes to the shittiest team out there and gets his *** kicked every week. All the trouble he has been for this team and he turns his nose up to 70 million dollars. he's a peice of **** *** far as I am concerned.

 

[oicu8ad]

]I think Bell had made up his mind last year that he was going to test free agency. I guess we answered the question about greed[/B]. Bell is good no doubt, but he doesn't have Barry Sanders running ability or Antonio Brown receiving ability but wants to be paid like a top ten QB. He is not worth more than Ben or Brown. **** Bell I hope he goes to the shittiest team out there and gets his *** kicked every week. All the trouble he has been for this team and he turns his nose up to 70 million dollars. he's a peice of **** *** far as I am concerned.

I totally agree, and I would have respected him if he had just said that instead of all the "I want to retire a Steeler" bullshit.

 

[madinsomniac]

The thing about rbs is they really can be found anywhere... during the willie parker days there was a stretch where an all pro rb was equally as likely to be a first rounder, mid rounder, late rounder, or undrafted....
The steelers could well have a guy who turns out better than Bell on the roster already... you really can not tell till they start getting reps

 

[Pollardo40]

If you are implying James Conner is more durable than BELL, then you are wrong. Conner hasn't shown any source of durability in his NFL career to date. He missed most of last year due to injury........ I'm not dissing JAMES CONNER but until he is proven durable I wouldn't make that comparison just yet. A lot of us LOVE James Conner and a part of that is his back story, who wouldn't want him to succeed.........BELL will be our feature back this season and gone next.



Salute the nation

That's not what I'm saying at all. I love Bell and I'm not comparing anybody to him. He is the best back in the league for a reason. I said that I want to see our young backs run in the preseason to see what they have. Conner would have been a higher draft pick if not for missing a season. Jaylen Samuels would have been a lot higher pick if he went to a different college. Bell, when on the field and under contract, is our #1 no question. But we have potentially a talented and versatile backfield that I want to see more of.

 

[Pollardo40]

If Conner, Franklin, and Samuels is the youth movement we are in a world of hurt. Conner was hurt pretty much all of last year while barely carrying any load. The Steelers should have been looking for a legitimate replacement long before now.

A legitimate replacement by what? A first round pick? If that's what you're implying then no thank you. Bell is second to none, but look at how many backs surprise every year. Conner is one year in, not bell, but I guarantee he wants to be in Pittsburgh more than Le'Veon does. JaySam is going to earn his spot. We will miss bell, but we will replace him if/when he walks away.

 

[Steeler Pride]

A legitimate replacement by what? A first round pick? If that's what you're implying then no thank you. Bell is second to none, but look at how many backs surprise every year. Conner is one year in, not bell, but I guarantee he wants to be in Pittsburgh more than Le'Veon does. JaySam is going to earn his spot. We will miss bell, but we will replace him if/when he walks away.

A three down back that is a capable starter in the NFL. Doesn't have to be a draft pick, hell, Deangelo Williams was more than capable for 2 years. There are plenty of serviceable backs out there and there are plenty coming out of college that can be utilized in rounds 2 and 3. Conner may be a feel good story but I doubt will be the long term solution. He was banged up all last season while carrying the rock 3-4 times a game. A lot of people want to be in Pittsburgh, does not make them a starting RB in the NFL.

 

[Pollardo40]

A three down back that is a capable starter in the NFL. Doesn't have to be a draft pick, hell, Deangelo Williams was more than capable for 2 years. There are plenty of serviceable backs out there and there are plenty coming out of college that can be utilized in rounds 2 and 3. Conner may be a feel good story but I doubt will be the long term solution. He was banged up all last season while carrying the rock 3-4 times a game. A lot of people want to be in Pittsburgh, does not make them a starting RB in the NFL.

I agree with most of what you are saying. I was all for Deangelo coming back. Wanting does open a lot more doors. He won't get the carries as long as Bell is in town, we have seen them ride him until the wheels fall off, and they need to continue to do that. That's why I said "potential". Don't mark JC off quite yet, he may never become Bell, or even a starter, but see him play before you mark him off.

 

[stillwright]

I agree with most of what you are saying. I was all for Deangelo coming back. Wanting does open a lot more doors. He won't get the carries as long as Bell is in town, we have seen them ride him until the wheels fall off, and they need to continue to do that. That's why I said "potential". Don't mark JC off quite yet, he may never become Bell, or even a starter, but see him play before you mark him off.

I can easily see more carries for connor this season. Last season Tomlin stated he wasn't in football shape. This season should be a lot different with a year under his belt. Also we have to see what we have in Connor inregards to post Bell. I think Connor will get a large portion of the carries this year. Especially since we have a new OC.

 

[Slaine]

This is incorrect.
In order to collect all 14 million, he has to sign the tag and then report, practice, and dress and/or be on the sidelines in sweats for all 16 of our games.
If he sits out to save his body wear and tear, he is required to show up before week 10 to get accrued credit for a full season so he can become a UFA next year.
But if he chooses not to show up, for each game he misses, he loses $875,000.00.

You're right - I think I was basing it off an article I read somewhere. The contract is only fully guaranteed:

the resulting Player Contract shall be fully guaranteed if the player’s contract is terminated because of lack of comparative skill; as a result of an injury sustained in the performance of his services under his Player Contract; and/or due to a Club’s determination to create Room for Salary Cap purposes