How the Pittsburgh Steelers replace Le’Veon Bell

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on November 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against Blake Martinez #50 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on November 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to think of running back options in 2019, and could have a few ways to find their next franchise runner.

The Steelers look to have Le’Veon Bell for one more season on the franchise tag as they were not able to get a deal done at the deadline. He seems to want more money than $14 million a year and that is probably the most the Steelers are willing to pay. It is also unlikely for this reason that they will be able to put Bell on a non-exclusive tag next year as it could cost them $17 million per year. So I think it is time to look for life after Le’Veon Bell.

There are three options in replacing Bell. They could replace him with someone in-house, they could draft a running back early or they could sign someone in free agency. This rift with Bell could give Conner a chance to develop as Bell will at least miss training camp.

Conner has performed well in his limited stints with the team which is a good sign. The other good sign from Conner is that players and coaches have noticed an improvement in him. This could be a sign that he could step in and be the primary back.

The second option is to draft a guy. Now it is too early to say who will emerge as a top back in the next draft. An option that I like is Bryce Love who is supposed to go in the late first-round. Of course, this is too early to guess where he will go in the draft and it is possible that he pursues a medical career instead of the NFL.

The third option is to sign somebody in free agency. With Bell coming off the books, they could probably afford a decent back and have some money to spend elsewhere.

Next: Time to stop disrespecting Big Ben

One that I would like them to add is Melvin Gordon. He will be able to be a top 10 runner in the league and he can add as a pass catcher. The only worry I have about him is his blocking. I think the Steelers could get him on the open market for less than they were offering Bell and they would still have a running back that teams have to key into. He would still be able to open up the passing game for Antonio Brown.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations