The Pittsburgh Steelers and running back Le’Veon Bell failed to come to a long-term agreement at Monday’s deadline. This was expected by most but here is why the Steelers should not take all the blame.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Le’Veon Bell have spent nearly 10 months negotiating a deal for the running back. The Steelers tagged him last season and spent the next five months trying to come to terms.
Bell eventually declined their last offer which was reported to be averaged near $13.3 million per season with $30 million in the first two years and $42 million during the first 3 seasons.
He would then hold out of camp and arrive just before week 1 to sign his tag. Bell was slow out of the gates as he was in shape but not “football shape.
Fast-forward to March 2018 and the team found themselves in the same situation. Pittsburgh tagged Bell once again and guaranteed him $14.5 million on that tag.
Bell soon began making it known his baseline number was now $14.5 million as the team showed they are willing to do that much. The Steelers and Bell then spent the next five months trying to come to terms once again.
A repeat of 2017 would ensue as the two sides went down to the wire. It became clear that the deal was not coming hours before the 4pm deadline on Monday.
The two came out of the meetings not agreeing and thus, Bell will play on the tag for $14.5 million in 2018. He will hold out of camp and likely be there for week one to play.
The reason I believe the Steelers cannot shoulder all the blame is because of the leaked details of the offer made by the team. Pittsburgh reportedly offered Bell a five-year deal worth $70 million according to Ian Rapoport.
From what I understand, the #Steelers’ final offer to RB Le’Veon Bell was 5 years, $70M with more than $30M over 2 years. Last year, the offer was 5 years, $60M. ... Instead, he’ll earn $14.5M on another franchise tag.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 16, 2018
This offer is a step up from last season by a few million. Details of an offer made this spring are not public.
This deal would make bell the highest paid running back by a wide margin. The average per year would be $14 million which is nearly $6 million more than Devonta Freeman, the second highest paid back in the league.
Bell has stated he wants paid like a versatile weapon and not just as a running back. While that is fine, the market for that type of player hasn’t been set and his vision for it is just too high at the moment.
With so many backs coming out of college each year, the turnover rate for running backs is too large to invest this kind of money into them.
Bell is an extraordinary talent, don’t get me wrong, but his demands leave Steeler fans scratching their heads. The team did not stand by and refuse to try, however.
Both parties can take some blame in this situation. Bell for having unusually high demands and seemingly not budging, and the Steelers for not being willing to go a bit higher to meet those demands.
Both Bell and the Steelers tried to come to terms on an extension. The Steelers were fair in their offers and Bell believes he deserves more than their attempts.
The two still have time next season before Bell tests the market. The Steelers will most certainly not tag him for a third year.
The number for a third tag goes up exponentially. Bell will most likely decline any offers the Steelers make ahead of the deadline for free agency next offseason.
Bell will test the market to find his true value. Pittsburgh could still outbid everyone or, potentially, use the non-exclusive franchise tag.
the non-exclusive tag would allow Bell to shop his services to other teams. Pittsburgh could then match any offer a team made or let him go to the offering team in exchange for two first round picks as compensation.
The tag is not very likely but could happen. If no team offered and Pittsburgh couldn’t reach a deal once again, the Steelers would then have to pay him 120% of his $14.5 million salary this season or a value determined by the league using a certain formula.
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The Steelers begin camp in a little over a week. Bell will likely not be there but, expect him back for week one much like 2017.