RB Le'Veon Bell, FA (3 Viewers)

[BustedKnuckles]

would anyone dare trade FOR Bell?

 

[Twenty-Four Eighty-Four]

would anyone dare trade FOR Bell?

Someone in my league just traded Joe Mixon for Bell. He'd end up with Zeke and Bell if it goes through.

 

[Steeler]

This is backwards.. I wouldn't want to be them when he walks in.

The Steeler players toed the line all last year during his hold out (I know technically it's not a hold out but it's just easiest to call it that) and they welcomed him with open arms when he showed up for week #1.  They also supported him this off season while he was away from the team and only said anything when he didn't show up to prepare for a real game.  They were mainly upset because he wasn't telling them what he was planning and some even said he refused to answer their calls.  Bell should just tell the Steelers his plans and end this secrecy.

 

[IheartGuinness]

This is backwards.. I wouldn't want to be them when he walks in.

I don't think they're afraid of this dirt bag.

 

[Milkman]

The Steeler players toed the line all last year during his hold out (I know technically it's not a hold out but it's just easiest to call it that) and they welcomed him with open arms when he showed up for week #1.  They also supported him this off season while he was away from the team and only said anything when he didn't show up to prepare for a real game.  They were mainly upset because he wasn't telling them what he was planning and some even said he refused to answer their calls.  Bell should just tell the Steelers his plans and end this secrecy.

He doesn't owe them that. 

 

[tangfoot]

would anyone dare trade FOR Bell?

Dynasty

Evans and Jimmy Graham for Bell

 

[matuski]

I don't think they're afraid of this dirt bag.

Why would they be afraid of him.. has he threatened them in some way?

Seems an odd comment?

 

[matuski]

The Steeler players toed the line all last year during his hold out (I know technically it's not a hold out but it's just easiest to call it that) and they welcomed him with open arms when he showed up for week #1.  They also supported him this off season while he was away from the team and only said anything when he didn't show up to prepare for a real game.  They were mainly upset because he wasn't telling them what he was planning and some even said he refused to answer their calls.  Bell should just tell the Steelers his plans and end this secrecy.

Why would you or the Steelers (who he is not signed with) feel entitled to something like this?

 

[Saboo]

Is the report about Bell reporting on Saturday based in facts or is it simply speculation? I’ve seen some reports stating it as fact and I’ve seen reports that suggest the situation is unchanged.

 

[Titletown_Favres]

I hate the Pats but watch Cle beat Pit this weekend amid turmoil and PIT miss out home field playoffs by one game. 

 

[matuski]

Is the report about Bell reporting on Saturday based in facts or is it simply speculation? I’ve seen some reports stating it as fact and I’ve seen reports that suggest the situation is unchanged.

Assumption/speculation from Steelers GM as far as I can tell.  It is quoted as their "guess".

Thu, Sep 6

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the Steelers' "guess" is that holdout franchise player Le'Veon Bell reports on Saturday.

Advice: That would be similar to what Aaron Donald did a year ago. It would allow Bell to collect his Week 1 check without suiting up for the opener. In Bell's mind, he would still be getting paid but saving a game of wear and tear as he heads to free agency. Either way, it appears there's a zero percent chance Bell is active against the Browns, leaving James Conner for fill-in bell-cow duties.

 

[Hankmoody]

He needs the 6 games to be able to a FA next year. if he isn't on the roster for 6 games then this year does not count and he can be tagged again next year as Season 2 of the tag. He is currently in Season 2 of the tag. That was put into the system to prevent players who get tagged from just skipping a season completely and then becoming a FA. 

That is unlikely to be the case.  He's already a UFA as a vested veteran so all 6 games does is give him an accrued season toward pension/retirement benefits.  Contracts only toll if the player doesn't play at all.  Every player that earns one full-pay status paycheck has fulfilled the terms of the contract otherwise.  Look at Josh Gordon - he played in 5 games, his contract advanced, but he did not earn an accrued season and therefore was an ERFA this spring. 

Whether or not they can tag him again is an interesting case.  I don't know what the CBA language is but I'm guessing the team would claim it does require fulfilling some minimum level (probably the 6 games that result in an accrued season) while Bell would likely argue that playing in one game fulfills the 1 year contract.  I'd put money on Bell's side winning that.

 

[matuski]

The assumption he would be there Monday, then Wednesday, now Saturday.

We will see whether Bell is serious about playing hardball or not Saturday!

 

[Steeler]

He doesn't owe them that. 

Why would you or the Steelers (who he is not signed with) feel entitled to something like this?

He has to sign with the Steelers at some point so why not make the situation as amicable as possible until you can test free agency next year?  Even if he plans to hold out until week 10, just say that, state your reasons, and move forward.  The only other option is to try to force the Steelers to rescind the offer so he becomes an FA immediately - not a great way to go either.

Regarding blowing off the other player's phone calls - he has been their teammate for 4 years or whatever and he will be again this year at some point - seems strange to alienate them with his silence.  Again, they were on his side over the course of two off season holdouts and only spoke up negatively when he missed the Wednesday meeting to get the game plan for a real game.  I guess he doesn't "owe" them anything, but I just don't understand the benefit of him not disclosing his plans.

 

[Milkman]

He has to sign with the Steelers at some point so why not make the situation as amicable as possible until you can test free agency next year?  Even if he plans to hold out until week 10, just say that, state your reasons, and move forward.  The only other option is to try to force the Steelers to rescind the offer so he becomes an FA immediately - not a great way to go either.

Regarding blowing off the other player's phone calls - he has been their teammate for 4 years or whatever and he will be again this year at some point - seems strange to alienate them with his silence.  Again, they were on his side over the course of two off season holdouts and only spoke up negatively when he missed the Wednesday meeting to get the game plan for a real game.  I guess he doesn't "owe" them anything, but I just don't understand the benefit of him not disclosing his plans.

Why does he owe the Steelers that when they didn't do him any favors?

 

[Steeler]

Why does he owe the Steelers that when they didn't do him any favors?

Are you reading my responses   

 

[Milkman]

Are you reading my responses   

Yes. They did him no favors. He owes them no favors. He's not going to tell his teammates because that will get out. 

 

[Steeler]

Yes. They did him no favors. He owes them no favors. 

I agreed he doesn't "owe" them anything.  What is the benefit to Bell in not disclosing his plans?  Spite?

 

[Milkman]

I agreed he doesn't "owe" them anything.  What is the benefit to Bell in not disclosing his plans?  Spite?

Yeah I see what you're saying there. It's not going to get him anything but it could help furture negotiations with other players and teams. The steelers are losing here too. 

 

[ghostguy123]

Just a thought, but if he was really serious about sitting out 10 games, would he consider sitting out the whole year in hopes the Steelers rescind the same tag in the offseason?   Maybe hoping they dont want any part of this again?

Why risk playing 6 games for 5 million if confident they let him go?

I still think he signs saturday.

 

[Milkman]

That's what I'm talking about right there ^^^^^^^^! Two people that disagree but no insults. Awesome bro! Thank you. 

 

[Milkman]

Just a thought, but if he was really serious about sitting out 10 games, would he consider sitting out the whole year in hopes the Steelers rescind the same tag in the offseason?   Maybe hoping they dont want any part of this again?

Why risk playing 6 games for 5 million if confident they let him go?

No way. Fake injuries. Seriously. The owners ####ed the players. I'd go straight ghetto on them. Hamstring injury within 10 carries. Out 2 weeks. Hell pull your hammy on purpose. Lol

 

[Titletown_Favres]

Just a thought, but if he was really serious about sitting out 10 games, would he consider sitting out the whole year in hopes the Steelers rescind the same tag in the offseason?   Maybe hoping they dont want any part of this again?

Why risk playing 6 games for 5 million if confident they let him go?

I still think he signs saturday.

He doesn’t get credit for full year unless he plays 6 games thereby becoming free agent next year !! 

 

[ghostguy123]

He doesn’t get credit for full year unless he plays 6 games thereby becoming free agent next year !! 

Not sure you understood my question.

I know that.  But maybe he bets they will let him go and rescind the tag

 

[Titletown_Favres]

Not sure you understood my question.

I know that.  But maybe he bets they will let him go and rescind the tag

Pitt not going do that 

 

[Milkman]

Not sure you understood my question.

I know that.  But maybe he bets they will let him go and rescind the tag

Get your 6 games in but don't give them #### on the field. Protect yourself. 

 

[georg013]

In your own quote Bell says 2018 will be his best season yet. Lol

So far it is. He is not playing for below market value. 

 

[BassNBrew]

If Bell wants to maximize his own gain at the Steelers expense, he should report Saturday, then refuse to go into games once he hits whatever he feels is too many touches each week (or even play up the nicks and bruises he'll invevitably receive to sit out). Get his $14 MM this year, stay healthy and move the #### on. If you think teams won't pay him as a result, that might be fair, but I don't think it's realistic. All it takes is two teams to say they understand his "plight" and are willing to do whatever it takes to gain his services in 2019 and beyond. This is quickly becoming a huge cluster#### for the Stillers. 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again here... Khalil Mack showed Leveon that you can play hardball with a team and get what you want. You just have to be willing to put yourself first above your teammates, your fans and even your own public image. #### you, pay me!

Except the time for him to get paid has passed.

 

[davearm]

I agreed he doesn't "owe" them anything.  What is the benefit to Bell in not disclosing his plans?  Spite?

How does Bell benefit by disclosing his plans?

 

[davearm]

 

[Hilts]

Is the report about Bell reporting on Saturday based in facts or is it simply speculation? I’ve seen some reports stating it as fact and I’ve seen reports that suggest the situation is unchanged.

Speculation. 

 

[Milkman]

So far it is. He is not playing for below market value. 

You don't even believe that bro. 

 

[The General]

Except the time for him to get paid has passed.

Now he’s making business decisions. Do I risk getting hurt, do I want to get paid for 16 games or just do the minimum to get credit for a season, how far can I push this before my next contract is being impacted. 

 

[[icon]]

usually not a good idea to get into a battle with a child here but i'd like to ask why you feel my math is off?  

Well that’s not being very excellent. Let’s try to be adults in here, m’kay?  I merely said your math is out of touch with reality... resorting to petty insults makes YOU look like a child, not I  

As to why I feel your math Is off... This wave of dissent pretty well summed it up:

I mean, to start, what you feel here is really irrelevant and doesn't reflect reality. The Steelers offered him $14MM a season over 5 years that he turned down before the deadline, so while your feelings are $8MM or possibly $10MM, the reality of an actual offer from an NFL franchise was 40% higher than your stretch valuation.

You almost have it right.  He thinks a superstar running back is worth more than Pittsburgh's GM thinks a superstar running back is worth.

YOUR value of RB worth is also wrong.  You say you think Bell is worth 4 years @$5M.  Dion Lewis got 4 years/$20M.  Devonte Freeman got 5 years/$41M.  McCoy got 5 years, $40M.  Jerick McKinnon got 4 years/$30M.  Your belief that Bell is "valued" at 4 year/$5M per year is ignorant nonsense, completely out of touch with NFL reality. 

I get that you are trying to make a point about RB value, but you are wrong, and using ridiculous numbers that are easily, factually disproved merely emphasizes that point.

Bell is MUCH closer to Gurley's 4 year/$57M contract than he is to your 4 year/$20M idea.

 5 million a year for one if the best offensive weapons in the league. 

Barkley definitely got drafted higher because of Bell.  Not just Bell but the whole recent trend of dual threat RBs Bell is the prime example of.

I don’t know how many years it’s been since an RB went #2 but it’s been an insanely long time.  The league changes, its changed to value guys that can run and catch and ya, Bell’s one of the key ones that has made that change.

That’s why Bell’s not insane when he says he wants to get paid like an elite offensive weapon and not just an RB.  A team just drafted a rookie they think might have Bell’s skills set some day like an elite offensive weapon and not just an RB

This guy doesn’t get it.

Look at the rookie contracts for Zeke, Fournette, Barkley.  When they start coming due, they are going to force their teams to play closer to Gurley deals than McKinnon/Freeman deals.  When DJ signs his deal, that will also push RB contracts up.  Gurley’s deal wasn’t a “one off,” it was a change in the market rate.

”hundreds of guys who can be running backs in the NFL?” completely clueless.

Exactly... you know who DOESNT set the NFL running back market? Self Important armchair GMs on the Internet. You know what does? Actual contracts, offered by actual GMs and paid to actual star RB’s. 

if he were a free agent today he might get 4 x $8M tops.  

I’ll take the over on this (over 8MM/yr or over 32MM total value) for any sum of money you’re willing to wager. Cash placed in escrow with an FFA mod. Let’s set the market on how much you actually believe what you’re saying here... 

 

[Steeler]

How does Bell benefit by disclosing his plans?

I answered this several times already - the short answer is to minimize the animosity between him, the Steelers FO and his future teammates.  Unless he somehow forces his way out, he will be a Steeler for at least 6 more games.

 

[Godsbrother]

How does Bell benefit by disclosing his plans?

At this point probably not much.   It would have been a good PR move and your teammates probably wouldn't feel like they've been hung out to dry but that only matters if you give a crap about them.  If he thinks keeping silent helps his situation then he should do that but at this point I don't think it matters.

 

[habsfan]

At this point probably not much.   It would have been a good PR move and your teammates probably wouldn't feel like they've been hung out to dry but that only matters if you give a crap about them.  If he thinks keeping silent helps his situation then he should do that but at this point I don't think it matters.

There's no way to neatly delineate the business side from the "band of brothers" culture of the game. I'm sure he wants to be a thorn in the side of the FO but you can't do that without fallout on the football culture side of it.

 

[davearm]

I answered this several times already - the short answer is to minimize the animosity between him, the Steelers FO and his future teammates.  Unless he somehow forces his way out, he will be a Steeler for at least 6 more games.

Now get to the part where minimized animosity is beneficial in some meaningful way.

 

[irish eyes]

Just hoping he holds out until week 10, then they bury him on the bench for the remainder of the season. Dont won't to see him tippy toeing around the field trying to "preserve" himself.

 

[Godsbrother]

Just hoping he holds out until week 10, then they bury him on the bench for the remainder of the season. Dont won't to see him tippy toeing around the field trying to "preserve" himself.

And I have heard it been said by many football coaches that players often get injured when they are tentative and playing not to get hurt.

 

[Godsbrother]

Now get to the part where minimized animosity is beneficial in some meaningful way.

Not being a #### to your teammates.  If the guys you've played with for 4 years don't mean anything to you then there is no benefit at all.  If it were me I would rather have a decent workplace when I eventually do report.

Now how does not being open about your intentions change his situation in any way?   It won't net him any more money nor will it make it any more likely to be traded or released.

He is entitled to do whatever he wants but if there is a downside to telling your teammates when you're going to report I don't see it.   The one exception I could see is that if he's been smoking dope he may not know for sure when he will be able to pass a drug test.   In that case keeping it a mystery makes perfect sense

 

[steelers1080]

He doesn't owe them that. 

He technically doesn't owe them anything, true.  But he also gains nothing from not telling the team his plans, except that he hurts the team.  Even if he doesn't have a set in stone plan, he could let them know that he plans on staying away for at least a while, if not the full 10 games. And what his plans are for potential playoff games. He is not contractually obligated to do this, but the only effect that comes from not telling them is that the team is put in a worse position.

Earlier this offseason he said that he'd be there week 1 and would have his best season ever.  That understandably lead people to believe that he'd show up for practice week 1 and get ready to play, similar to last year. It's 100% his prerogative to change his mind or even lie, but the only benefit of misleading the team is leaving them with a smaller window to change the game plan and to possibly add other running backs. The contract situation can't change this year unless they cut him, which they're not going to do. Maybe that was his hope, and that's why he wanted them to remain in limbo, I doubt we'll ever know his reasoning.

Now, a lot of people are bashing the Steelers O-line for making any comments concerning his negotiations. What negotiations? There's 0 possible negotiating this season due to the franchise tag. Now, they could bash them for talking about his injury prevention plan, but those same people had very strong words for McCaffrey when he held out of the Bowl game to make sure he was healthy for the NFL. So, I take their opinions with a grain of salt. The Steelers O-line shouldn't have aired their dirty laundry, but I understand why they did. From their point of view there's no negotiating to be done, and it feels like Bell lied to them to put their team is a worse position. 

So, you're right, he owes them nothing. But then, why do they owe him anything?

 

[Steeler]

Now get to the part where minimized animosity is beneficial in some meaningful way.

The Steelers are trying to win the Super Bowl - disrupting the locker room is detrimental to that goal.

 

[steelers1080]

Just hoping he holds out until week 10, then they bury him on the bench for the remainder of the season. Dont won't to see him tippy toeing around the field trying to "preserve" himself.

Players who go out and give 50% trying to stay healthy, often get hurt. I think he'd either go 100%, or go into concussion protocol after the first practice. 

 

[[icon]]

Now get to the part where minimized animosity is beneficial in some meaningful way.

Are you attempting to imply that the offensive line liking/disliking a RB would have zero impact on a RB’s success? 

 

[davearm]

The Steelers are trying to win the Super Bowl - disrupting the locker room is detrimental to that goal.

Locker room harmony is certainly a benefit to the Steelers.  But we're talking about what benefits LeVeon Bell, not what benefits the Steelers.

 

[davearm]

Are you attempting to imply that the offensive line liking/disliking a RB would have zero impact on a RB’s success? 

No.

 

[Steeler]

Locker room harmony is certainly a benefit to the Steelers.  But we're talking about what benefits LeVeon Bell, not what benefits the Steelers.

Winning the SB doesn't benefit Bell????  Jesus, I know there is a business element to this whole thing, but it's still a freaking game!

 

[Judge Smails]

He technically doesn't owe them anything, true.  But he also gains nothing from not telling the team his plans, except that he hurts the team.  Even if he doesn't have a set in stone plan, he could let them know that he plans on staying away for at least a while, if not the full 10 games. And what his plans are for potential playoff games. He is not contractually obligated to do this, but the only effect that comes from not telling them is that the team is put in a worse position.

Earlier this offseason he said that he'd be there week 1 and would have his best season ever.  That understandably lead people to believe that he'd show up for practice week 1 and get ready to play, similar to last year. It's 100% his prerogative to change his mind or even lie, but the only benefit of misleading the team is leaving them with a smaller window to change the game plan and to possibly add other running backs. The contract situation can't change this year unless they cut him, which they're not going to do. Maybe that was his hope, and that's why he wanted them to remain in limbo, I doubt we'll ever know his reasoning.

Now, a lot of people are bashing the Steelers O-line for making any comments concerning his negotiations. What negotiations? There's 0 possible negotiating this season due to the franchise tag. Now, they could bash them for talking about his injury prevention plan, but those same people had very strong words for McCaffrey when he held out of the Bowl game to make sure he was healthy for the NFL. So, I take their opinions with a grain of salt. The Steelers O-line shouldn't have aired their dirty laundry, but I understand why they did. From their point of view there's no negotiating to be done, and it feels like Bell lied to them to put their team is a worse position. 

So, you're right, he owes them nothing. But then, why do they owe him anything?

Teammates should say nothing about a player holding out.  There should be a code.  "Wish he was here, but we'll move on with the players who are here".  If Pouncey was holding out I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate Bell speaking out.

 

[Milkman]

He technically doesn't owe them anything, true.  But he also gains nothing from not telling the team his plans, except that he hurts the team.  Even if he doesn't have a set in stone plan, he could let them know that he plans on staying away for at least a while, if not the full 10 games. And what his plans are for potential playoff games. He is not contractually obligated to do this, but the only effect that comes from not telling them is that the team is put in a worse position.

Earlier this offseason he said that he'd be there week 1 and would have his best season ever.  That understandably lead people to believe that he'd show up for practice week 1 and get ready to play, similar to last year. It's 100% his prerogative to change his mind or even lie, but the only benefit of misleading the team is leaving them with a smaller window to change the game plan and to possibly add other running backs. The contract situation can't change this year unless they cut him, which they're not going to do. Maybe that was his hope, and that's why he wanted them to remain in limbo, I doubt we'll ever know his reasoning.

Now, a lot of people are bashing the Steelers O-line for making any comments concerning his negotiations. What negotiations? There's 0 possible negotiating this season due to the franchise tag. Now, they could bash them for talking about his injury prevention plan, but those same people had very strong words for McCaffrey when he held out of the Bowl game to make sure he was healthy for the NFL. So, I take their opinions with a grain of salt. The Steelers O-line shouldn't have aired their dirty laundry, but I understand why they did. From their point of view there's no negotiating to be done, and it feels like Bell lied to them to put their team is a worse position. 

So, you're right, he owes them nothing. But then, why do they owe him anything?

I don't understand why this is so hard to understand. They kicked him in the nuts. He's kicking them back.