This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
... to the surprise of absolutely no one. And I am not so sure it is 100% a bad thing. Sure he will be rusty but there are a lot of fluke injuries in camp...
The first 4 games are going to be rough. I expect another loss similar to Chicago last year and we almost lost to the Browns early. That rust could really cost us.
Le' Veon said in March if he didn't get a LT deal he would repeat what he did last year. Unless he has changed course.
I don't know if he will do it, but the upside is fewer games where he could get hurt & jeopardize his first real shot at FA next off-season.
Nothing he has done to this point has made sense. He’s been offered to be the top paid RB multiple, multiple times now and refuses to adhere to what the market is. He’s a clown off the field. His stupid rap’s, his drug usage, I also personally don’t see him as a team player. That’s fine, make your money. Still doesn’t engage me as a fan. People have been very forgiving of his antics for some reason, perhaps because he’s on the Steelers. I wonder what a more acidic fan base and press coverage would have to say about him. I think looking at ODB and people on this board clowning him gives a good picture of what playing for NYG vs playing for Pittsburgh means. ODB hasn’t even held out and has said he has no intention to but that’s enough for people to discount him in the first, yet Bell is on year two of holding out and people want to hold him as RB#1. I’ve been quietly bearish on Bell because I know it’s an unpopular opinion. His running was actually at league average last year, his wear scares me and now in dynasty you may lose 8 games and have him walk into FA at age 27... :X
Denial is the first response. Players have held out well into the season before, most recently Duane Brown. Given Bell’s injury history and position played it makes a lot of sense his agent trying to convince him to only accumulate what is a full season. Wouldn’t surprise me when he reported if he has a nagging, lingering hamstring injury too. Just one mans opinion though, it’s definitely happened in the past. Also, fwiw, I think the players would be fools to allow the franchise and transition tags stick through the next contract negotiation. Still doesn’t change my feelings on Bell and the way he’s been through the process so far.
That is just Scheffer's opinion and nothing more. Here's his statement below.
Scheff does not throw baseless opinions around. If he is saying it's possible that Bell will hold out it's because he is being told by Bell or his people it's possible.
I feel same way and I bet more people feel this way then you think.
I think lots of people think this way. I know a lot of people see NFL owners as greedy Mr. Burns's rubbing their hands together finding new ways to be unfair to the players. I don't think that's the case here. Bell is incredible. The reality is he's likely asking for more than the market will bear. I don't blame him for asking. But I also fully understand the Steelers.
I think if he were a UDFA right now, you'd be surprised to see what the market would bear. I don't blame the Steelers one bit for holding firm because they have a monopoly on negotiating rights.
And that's the real question isn't it. What will his value be in 2019?
Outlook cloudy, ask again later. ASSuming he doesn't get hurt, he's a year older and has another 400+ touches on his resume, he's worth less than he would have been worth in 2018.
Thanks. I can see that. If the Steelers don't cave, how many games would you advise Bell to hold out and skip the $850,000 game check?
None! He's all about the money, why would he forfeit any? He's not going to get $14mm next year, there's nothing to be gained by wasting game checks now.
I can see that. I think it's all about what he can get next year. I agree with you he won't get 14mm next year in a long term deal. But I'm not sure he believes that.
I think this is the key and why I say there's an almost zero chance he misses any games this season due to a holdout - it just doesn't make any financial sense as he'll never make that money back.
It’s just a universal fact that RB’s play at much closer to replacement level than any other position. It’s not to sell them short. Lev has done wonderful things not seen since LT2. It’s just looking at roster construction it’s impossible for a team to pay him the money he wants (essentially 2 positions worth of cap space). If he’s hell bent on his stance he’ll be on the market quite awhile next offseason and find himself playing again on another 1 year deal.
Doesn't mean much on its own, what was the point differential? What was TOP average? what was defensive scores as well as defensive points given up? I would expect a healthy Bell results in higher TOP as well as lower scoring games as Pittsburgh grinds out the clock. That also means less TOP of possession for the opposing offense to score points, less pressure on the defense. 10 of his 16 game sample comes from 2015 as well so its tough to trust that sample means much outside of 2015. For example, for points against in 2015, the Steelers averaged 16.8 PPG given up in the 6 games Bell played, in the 10 he didn't? 21.8 PPG given up.
If ARI plans on keeping DJ they should extend him this season. I assume some team will break the bank for Bell and he should be the highest paid RB.
Does Arizona plan on giving DJ 30 mil guaranteed? Seems like at very least Pitt set the market now.
