Good Tuesday to you Steelers’ Fans!
You know that feeling when you know something is coming but no matter how much you prepare for it you are still alarmed by it? That seems to be the feeling for many across the Steeler Nation today after the Steelers and Le’Veon Bell couldn’t come to a long-term deal. What it means is quite simple; once he signs the Franchise Tag he’ll make $14.5 million this season. It’s also highly likely this is the final year for Bell in Pittsburgh. Although the Steelers could tag him again it would cost the team a massive sum of money. Possibly as much as $25 million per year so you can forget that right now. The possibility does exist for a long-term deal to be reached once he enters free agency next year but his intentions are clear. Consider this… the Steelers offer would have paid him roughly %69 more than the current most highly paid running back. I do not buy his agent’s comment that Bell “hoped to retire a Steeler.” Sure, if the team paid him $17 million per year but that wasn’t going to happen. Bell is out to make money and he has every right to do so. But one thing he or his agent can’t say is that it wasn’t a fair and generous offer.
With Bell likely to ring for just one more year there are some concerns about his 2018 season. What happens if Bell gets a few minor dings and boo-boos during the season? Does he just decide to shut it down out of fear of further injury therefore hurting his chances at a big pay day? Why wouldn’t he? I think it’s definitely something the Steelers have to consider and I’m sure they already have.
Tweet of the Day… That last statement is pretty intriguing.
to all my Steeler fans, my desire always has been to retire a Steeler…both sides worked extremely hard today to make that happen, but the NFL is a hard business at times…to the fans that had hope, I’m sorry we let youu down but trust me, 2018 will be my best season to date…
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) July 16, 2018
Great breakdown of the Steelers’ offer to Bell right here from Ian. This is good stuff and easy to understand.
The fan response to Bell once he signs the tag and starts playing will be interesting. There are plenty of fans who understand that football careers are short and players are out to get every dime they can. But there are also fans who see Bell as being selfish, uncaring about his team and more interested in money and fame than winning. And if the scenario I mentioned above plays out? I wouldn’t want to be him that’s for sure.
Not surprisingly many fans have started to turn their attention to the future. Jaylen Samuels, James Conner and (insert 2019 Draft pick here) have been discussed more in the last 12 hours than at any point in the past 12 months.
I don’t know about you but I’m glad this over. I’m ready for the season!
Have a great day Steeler Nation!
