The General
Footballguy
Man. What a mess they have made this. I don’t blame Bell for wanting to get paid but his agent has screwed him here I think. Limited his options.No, if they cut him now they get nothing. He has to leave in Free Agency.
Man. What a mess they have made this. I don’t blame Bell for wanting to get paid but his agent has screwed him here I think. Limited his options.No, if they cut him now they get nothing. He has to leave in Free Agency.
Apples to Oranges. Garrapolo didn't make demands in NE about preserving himself so he could get a bigger contract the following year, etc. Not the same thing as Bell. I just don't see it as a win/win/win. It would be good for the Steelers so I hope they get a first for Bell. But I don't see how it makes sense for the 49ers given Bell's demands about his usage this year. Why would Bell play for the 49ers if he won't play for the Steelers? Would the Niners agree to limit his touches this year? No, so why would Bell play for them if he feels underpaid?The thing you don't think could happen happened a few months ago with the exact same team I proposed as a potential trade partner.
San Francisco traded for QB Jimmy Garroppolo who was playing under the franchise tag and they extended him to a long-term contract this February and made him the highest paid QB in the league only a few months ago.
You said it is unlikely but it just happened a few months ago with the exact same team and it worked out pretty good for them so I disagree with your logic.
Oh god. We're going to be subjected to so many bad raps over this whole ordeal.Leveon, Leveon likes his money
He makes a lot they say
Spends his days counting
In a garage by the motorway
Hey, this guy's a commie!!!Lets hope for a more fair CBA that protects the players health and gives them a higher % of revenue. I don't want to see 200 million dollars contracts but I want to see all players compensated better. We can find a better middle ground.
Sorry, Aaron, nearly everyone reading this will say "Playing last year for $12 million and this year for $14.5 million should be enough to set up his family for life."Aaron Sopchak @AaronSopchak 25m25 minutes ago
The contract Le’Veon Bell is trying to get will set up his family for life. And I don’t blame him for trying to make sure that he takes full advantage of his opportunity to get paid. NFL careers are short, you’ve gotta get what you can, when you can. Get that money @LeVeonBell
https://twitter.com/AaronSopchak/status/1037717875694489600
Gurley was stuck with Jeff Fisher, it's woefully inaccurate to use the numbers from that coaching regime and compare it to Bell who's had the same coach his whole career. Using just 1 year's worth of stats also isn't great, but Gurley averaged 18.6 carries, 87 yards, 4.3 rec, 52.5 receiving yards last year. So more rushing yards on less carries and more receiving yards on less receptions with worse talent around him.Saquon Barkley has yet to play an NFL snap and his team guaranteed him $31,194,751.
Through 44 games Todd Gurley has averaged 17.9 carries - 74.9 yards - 2.9 receptions - 29.6 receiving yards His team decided to give him 45,000,000 guaranteed.
In 62 games Bell has averaged 19.8 carries - 86 yards - 5 receptions - 42.9 receiving yards
Aww the poor baby is sad the RB holding out will only make in one season what it would take him 5 lifetimes to make.Hey, this guy's a commie!!!
You shouldn’t hate on Bell for being in a position to get paid this money. He thinks he’s worth more and is trying to get it.Aww the poor baby is sad the RB holding out will only make in one season what it would take him 5 lifetimes to make.
He might be the new bellcow but that doesn't instantly lead to him actually producing. He's a third round running back that most everyone said got drafted 2-3 rounds too early, he had 30 sum carries last season and he managed to get hurt with those carries. I would not be surprised if the steelers bring someone else in if this is going to week ten like it may.True, but they view Conner as being at least equal to what Deangelo was, mainly because Conner has improved as a blocker and pass catcher this offseason. People that don't view Conner as the new bellcow are underestimating how much the Steelers like him.
Jaylen Samuels could be used on 3rd downs in obvious passing situations, but Conner should get 65%+ of the work, which is standard for an RB1.
You shouldn’t hate on Bell for being in a position to get paid this money. He thinks he’s worth more and is trying to get it.
You mean like this?He might be the new bellcow but that doesn't instantly lead to him actually producing. He's a third round running back that most everyone said got drafted 2-3 rounds too early, he had 30 sum carries last season and he managed to get hurt with those carries. I would not be surprised if the steelers bring someone else in if this is going to week ten like it may.
Instead of the lineman whining and crying about bell maybe they should be propping this guy up instead if the steelers and them like him so much.
https://steelerswire.usatoday.com/2018/09/06/maurkice-pouncey-offers-strong-words-in-support-of-james-conner/Maurkice Pouncey also issued this reminder: "A star is born every year in the NFL. Did anyone know Kareem Hunt would be an All-Pro before last season? If James Conner didn't have cancer, he'd have been a first round pick. Just watch him."
https://steelersdepot.com/2018/08/steelers-linemen-appreciating-james-conners-aggressive-run-style-as-change-of-pace/“He runs the ball hard”, spot starter B.J. Finney, entering his fourth year (third on the 53-man roster) with the team, told the Steelers’ website about Conner. “He finds the hole, hits it and doesn’t think twice about it. It’s really nice. When you have a back like that you get a quick fit. You make sure you are in front of your guy. He hits the hole and he is gone. It’s nice”.
He should have left that line out about setting up his family because as you point out, there are fans that won't sympathize with a millionaire trying to make more millions. Especially if it negatively affects the team they root for.Sorry, Aaron, nearly everyone reading this will say "Playing last year for $12 million and this year for $14.5 million should be enough to set up his family for life."
The problem with us regular joes is the bill's keep coming and we don't have a few million in the bank to ride it outI think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
If you were in a job where you perform under a contract, that's exactly what you could and should do.I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
Ask for a raise then and if they say no then walk. People can and do this all the time. Difference is you can leave your job for another one whenever you want.I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
If he does this then I will be surprised cause he seems to enjoy keeping the team in the dark.If Bell sits, i think he will wait till near week 10 and inform the team he will sit if they make the playoffs.
He wants to be CUT. That is the ONLY way he can sign a big deal this year, and some team who is playoff bound who needs RB help just might do it.
A trade isnt going to happen. He has zero trade value under this franchise tag. Who is going to want a guy for 6 weeks who plans to sit out the playoffs?
IDK, seems like most players and owners are grownups and realize that holding out is just part of the business. Faking injuries and dogging it on the field not giving 100% is something else entirely and I think would really hurt him in the eyes of future teams that would be interested in signing him.I think at this point the bridge has been burned and they won't be able to trust him even if he signs. Especially if he signs later in the year.
If he makes it clear he won't be playing this year, even when he signs the deal, I think the smart move (as much as it will hurt the Steelers) is to rescind the offer and get a third round compensatory pick for him (I've read numerous people say they wouldn't get one in this case, but the Panthers got one for Josh Norman two years ago). Otherwise he signs in week 10, fakes an injury they get nothing.
He wants them to rescind the tag. Telling them would be in his best interestIf he does this then I will be surprised cause he seems to enjoy keeping the team in the dark.
Agreed. So why hasn't he?He wants them to rescind the tag. Telling them would be in his best interest
We dont know what he has or hasnt told the team.Agreed. So why hasn't he?
If that's true go for it. You'll find out what they think.I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
Update?I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
True but based on the reactions by the GM and players it sure seems like they thought he was going to report for Week 1We dont know what he has or hasnt told the team.
From the article, he could be traded. It would be messy but it could happen:
Can the Steelers just trade him?
Sort of, but it would be a clumsy process and not something the Steelers want to do unless forced. Several league sources say a trade for Bell wouldn't work for two primary reasons: his volatile position, and the challenge of the franchise tag. A team couldn't negotiate a new deal with him now. It would have to wait for Bell to play out his tag, then re-up after the season. A lot can happen to Bell's overall value and bottom line during that time, and a team most likely wouldn't give up top picks for that uncertainty, especially for a running back, despite Bell's greatness.
That seems like the biggest issue with all of this for the players and the coaches. They expected a mirror of last year. Bell seemed to indicate a mirror to last year would happen and then he ghosts the team at the last second giving them no option to snag extra help at RB in a FA RB or a rookie. Sure this helps his negotiating position, but it's a #### move for a guy playing a team sport.True but based on the reactions by the GM and players it sure seems like they thought he was going to report for Week 1
There's nothing to negotiate.That seems like the biggest issue with all of this for the players and the coaches. They expected a mirror of last year. Bell seemed to indicate a mirror to last year would happen and then he ghosts the team at the last second giving them no option to snag extra help at RB in a FA RB or a rookie. Sure this helps his negotiating position, but it's a #### move for a guy playing a team sport.
If they rescind, can they negotiate a contract?He wants them to rescind the tag. Telling them would be in his best interest
Yes. Bell will be free to negotiate with any team, including the Steelers. However if they rescind and another team signs him they may not get the 3rd round compensatory pick.If they rescind, can they negotiate a contract?
Well if he's traded week 10 the value of the contract is minimal for this year. I doubt Bell is going to miss a chance at ring if he's even remotely competitive.If Bell sits, i think he will wait till near week 10 and inform the team he will sit if they make the playoffs.
He wants to be CUT. That is the ONLY way he can sign a big deal this year, and some team who is playoff bound who needs RB help just might do it.
A trade isnt going to happen. He has zero trade value under this franchise tag. Who is going to want a guy for 6 weeks who plans to sit out the playoffs?
Why not on the 3rd?Yes. Bell will be free to negotiate with any team, including the Steelers. However if they rescind and another team signs him they may not get the 3rd round compensatory pick.
If Sportrac is close to accurate:Can't be too many teams with $15 million in cap space sitting around, although they can get cute with bonuses.
7 teams currently have that or more (two of them being the Colts and Jets, both with a need at the position - another being the 49ers, but I can't see that after the McKinnon deal). 5 more have between $10-15m, though none of those really have a need at the position.Can't be too many teams with $15 million in cap space sitting around, although they can get cute with bonuses.
They can view him that way (and they may end up being right), but he hasn't shown it in games that count. To be honest, he hasn't shown it this preseason, either. He doesn't have the elusiveness that DWill did. He's more of a power-type back. IMO, Pitts offense isn't as suited to a power-back as they are to one like Bell who is more of an elusive, shifty type RB (obviously he can run with power, too).True, but they view Conner as being at least equal to what Deangelo was, mainly because Conner has improved as a blocker and pass catcher this offseason. People that don't view Conner as the new bellcow are underestimating how much the Steelers like him.
Jaylen Samuels could be used on 3rd downs in obvious passing situations, but Conner should get 65%+ of the work, which is standard for an RB1.
I done this successfully myself.I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
My understanding is that once the Steelers rescind the franchise tag then they have essentially released him and so are not awarded a compensatory pickWhy not on the 3rd?
They get to pay him 5+ million for 6 games not playedI think at this point the bridge has been burned and they won't be able to trust him even if he signs. Especially if he signs later in the year.
If he makes it clear he won't be playing this year, even when he signs the deal, I think the smart move (as much as it will hurt the Steelers) is to rescind the offer and get a third round compensatory pick for him (I've read numerous people say they wouldn't get one in this case, but the Panthers got one for Josh Norman two years ago...so unless there is a rule I'm not aware of, I think it would be eligible). Otherwise he signs in week 10, fakes an injury they get nothing.
That’s what I thought, but I’m not sure. Car got a comp pick when they rescinded the tag on Norman. That was earlier in the process, though, so it’s unclear.My understanding is that once the Steelers rescind the franchise tag then they have essentially released him and so are not awarded a compensatory pick
Are you currently employed? If so, not an apples to apples comparison. If you had a contract expire, and are negotiating a new contract with the company that employed you last year - pretty sure that happens all the time.I think I’m worth a lot more than what I get paid. I think I’ll notify my boss that I intend to hold out.
I think it depends on what contact he signs for THIS year. If they rescind the tag, and no one signs him to a big enough deal to qualify for a 3rd round pick, then no. Which, if he gets released midway through the season, he'll probably just sit the year out - so I don't think there would be a compensatory pick, as he went unsigned. If they rescind and someone signs him to a big long term THIS year - then yea, they should get the pick.That’s what I thought, but I’m not sure. Car got a comp pick when they rescinded the tag on Norman. That was earlier in the process, though, so it’s unclear.
I disagree. He wants paid first, competetive second.I doubt Bell is going to miss a chance at ring if he's even remotely competitive.