Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 reasons to sign Le’Veon Bell

The Pittsburgh Steelers are down to their final week to decide whether or not they’re going to sign Le’Veon Bell before the 2018 season.

So it seems this never-ending story continues with the contract extension for Le’Veon Bell. There have been reports that Bell is looking for Antonio Brown money which is about $17 million a year and there are reports that lead you to believe that he could take a little more than the franchise tag. He has also been reportedly offered $15 million in the early part of the contract and that contract has been turned down.

We don’t know where the Steelers are on these contract negotiations but the hope is that they get something done. Here I want to outline three reasons that Steelers should try to get something done with Bell.

The AB and Bell combination has made the Steelers perennial Super Bowl contenders

Antonio Brown has asked about playing with Le’Veon Bell and he framed their offense like a “pick your poison” type of deal. If the defense keys in on Bell, the team can throw to Brown and if the defense double covers Brown then the Steelers can give the ball to Bell.

This combination has made the Steelers one of the best offenses in football over the past years. If you lose Bell, teams will be able to key in on Antonio Brown. I think with the future loss of Bell, it makes this season the last good chance for the Steelers to win a Super Bowl. However, an extension would open up the window to more super bowl opportunities.

It’s hard to replace a Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell is among the best running backs in the league and he has the ability to help you in the running, pass catching and blocking department. A complete back like Bell is hard to replace. The Steelers could have taken Derrius Guice and they could draft Bryce Love next year, but those guys won’t be able to match the production of Le’Veon Bell.

Bell can increase his longevity with the emergence of Jaylen Samuels and James Conner

Getting a contract done would change the Steelers mindset as to how Bell is used in the Steelers offense. He probably won’t dominate the snaps that he used to.

Now, the Steelers have built depth in the running back core drafting running backs the past two years. James Conner is getting attention for his improvement from year one to year two. Jaylen Samuels will be able to help in the pass-catching department and can be a #3 running back from the Steelers. I am more confident now that James Conner can help carry the load.

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So my conclusion is that this negotiation has gone on longer than it has needed to and I think this month is the time to get the deal done. The Steelers may have to pay Bell but it will keep them in the hunt for Super Bowl contention as long as Ben is going to play. Also, the Steelers can cut Bell if he burns out like many running backs do. In the NFL, you can make him a post-June first cut and only have to take a dead money expense for one year.