The many reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn’t resign Le’Veon Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers have started creating cap room to make space for star running back Le’Veon Bell.

This may not be the best course for a team that exited the playoffs early last season. Bell is arguably the best running back in the NFL. Now he wants to be paid like it.

Bell undoubtedly deserves to be paid, but I don’t believe the money should come from the Steelers. Bell is a great player, and it’s clear why they want to resign him, but it might not be the best long term plan for the organization.

He can’t be counted on to stay on the field.

Suspensions, and injuries have plagued Bell in the past, and likely will again. All running backs begin to break down, and get injured more frequently after heavy workloads, and Bell’s has been huge. He’s also missed big games for injury before, staying healthy all season for the first time last year. Suspensions are another worry.

Bell has been suspended twice for substance abuse policy related infractions. A third would likely mean a season long suspension. At this point the Steelers would likely be much safer if they moved on from Bell. The NFL is a business, and it would not be smart to invest millions of dollars in someone who has had issues staying on the field.