Three questions the Pittsburgh Steelers need to answer before free agency
![NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 23: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 23, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fstillcurtain-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1086127816-850x560-d69674bbbb93fd6063c7ea93b3489585deddb85a1518699cbd61dd7dc1874c36.jpg)
Are Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell getting moved?
They’re two very different situations but very similar when the headlines are written. Pittsburgh’s loudest members don’t necessarily want to be in the Steel City anymore, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be.
The Steelers need to figure out both Antonio Brown’s trade value and Le’Veon Bell’s future. Many believed both would be gone before the 2019 season, but at this point the signs of assured trades and free agency have dimmed and everyone is wondering what’s going to happened with Pittsburgh’s biggest stars.
Brown’s deadline likely comes by June 1st but is hopefully before then. Pittsburgh takes a cap hit if the wide receiver is still around once summer hits, meaning if the Steelers want to move him they’ll need to do so before June.
The best value for a player like Brown comes with the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh should be pushing for a top 10 pick and some for the receiver.
Then, there’s Bell. The running back is still chirping on social media after a year of failed negotiations and hit after hit on his legacy in Pittsburgh. He didn’t play in 2018 and James Conner proved he doesn’t need to. Not saying Pittsburgh was better without Le’Veon but they aren’t big on keeping him.
Reports still pop-up from time to time about whether or not this team will transition tag Bell, but really, it’s time for the Steelers to make it known what their plans are.