Please stay on topic and don't troll.Oh, that's different from what you posted before. You said he had taken Bell's job; backtracking is fine, though.
Please stay on topic and don't troll.Oh, that's different from what you posted before. You said he had taken Bell's job; backtracking is fine, though.
Please don't speak in hyperbolePlease stay on topic and don't troll.
Honestly, I'm don't think it matters if Connor is doing well or not in regards to if or when Bell reports. Same goes for the Steelers as a whole.I can't imagine Bell reporting even if Conner is leading the league in rushing after 4 weeks but your point is interesting for Bell to consider. I don't know that Bell wants to creat trouble for the Steelers though. He wants a long term deal and knows it's not happening in Pburgh.
One game in which a backup did just as good as the starter. Makes one wonder if the team needs the starter or the backup. If you watched that game and thought it had no impact on Bell's value, then I can't help you. Cleveland was tough against the run last year. Time will tell if they are again this year.at thinking one game by a backup changes Bell’s value.
OK, but that would be a difference in their RB utilization (not that I think it'd be the wrong move). That's what I was asking. Do you think they'll do that, though?Or use both in a 60/40 split like most teams. I doubt they'd be "worried" about adding a top 3 RB in the league.
Schefter is reporting that "sources say" that Bell could report in September. If he still wants fan support, he'll report the Saturday before the Bucs game. That would cost him 2 game checks, but then he'd be ready to go for the Ravens game. If he skips the Ravens game that would be the point of no return for some fans.
"Wants" maybe isn't 100% accurate, but him not reporting & not letting the team know what is doing seems to be an attempt to make the team suffer the consequences of using the franchise tag as much as he believes he has suffered by being franchised.I can't imagine Bell reporting even if Conner is leading the league in rushing after 4 weeks but your point is interesting for Bell to consider. I don't know that Bell wants to creat trouble for the Steelers though. He wants a long term deal and knows it's not happening in Pburgh.
Interesting question. I don't know that this is answered specifically with regards to the franchise tag. A player must be on a roster for 6 games to accrue a season towards FA. If he doesn't, that means Bell doesn't accrue the season. If he doesn't accrue the season, it's like he never received the franchise tag (I guess). As a result, Pitt should be able to franchise him again, at 120% of his previous salary, which would be $14.5M.While I understand it won't happen - what's the situation if Bell doesn't report all year? He didn't accrue another season, I get that - so the Steelers still own his rights? But would they have to franchise him again to do so? And would that amount be the 2018 amount again, or the 2019 amount?
Exactly. If he doesn't report, he stays a RFA at the end of the season. If he reports for the last 6 games, he becomes an UFA.Interesting question. I don't know that this is answered specifically with regards to the franchise tag. A player must be on a roster for 6 games to accrue a season towards FA. If he doesn't, that means Bell doesn't accrue the season. If he doesn't accrue the season, it's like he never received the franchise tag (I guess). As a result, Pitt should be able to franchise him again, at 120% of his previous salary, which would be $14.5M.
Exactly.He's not doing this to become a restricted FA. He'll report.
Exactly. He can chase the money with a team like the Jets, or he can sign with a legit team who also needs a RB who also has a ton of free cap space. Those teams are few and far between. Does someone want to come up with a list of potential suitors? I've got to jump off line right now or I'd take a stab at it.Will be real interested to see who he signs with. If he follows the money you have to think it won’t be a contender - so he is absolutely going money > Super Bowl because there aren’t too many teams ahead of Pittsburgh when it comes to contending.
Look at the last few SB teams. Many of them have a young QB on a cheap deal (or Tom Brady taking well below market value) which allows the team to make their run.Will be real interested to see who he signs with. If he follows the money you have to think it won’t be a contender - so he is absolutely going money > Super Bowl because there aren’t too many teams ahead of Pittsburgh when it comes to contending.
I would f’n love it!!Look at the last few SB teams. Many of them have a young QB on a cheap deal (or Tom Brady taking well below market value) which allows the team to make their run.
There is one team who has over $75M in projected cap room next year with what should be a strong O-line, an OC (who might be a HC) who is viewed as offensive-minded, a stud WR, another stud WR who will be a RFA in 2019 (making it possible for the team to resign him), a young, impressive looking D, and a QB on his rookie deal (along with a cheap veteran that they might be able to re-sign.
If Bell signs with Cleveland next year, IDK if they wouldn’t be favored to win the division over the Steelers.
They wouldn't pay Mack but they are going to pay Bell ? Don't see that happening.The Raiders seem like a good fit if Marshawn retires next year. They're already paying him half of what Bell wants per year and are projected to have a ton of cap space without a certain stud DE on the books. Gruden wouldn't pay top dollar for a DE, but perhaps he might for an offensive weapon.
Been posted before, but here are some of the teams with projected big Cap numbers per Sportrac (I left out teams like Dal & Ari for example):Exactly. He can chase the money with a team like the Jets, or he can sign with a legit team who also needs a RB who also has a ton of free cap space. Those teams are few and far between. Does someone want to come up with a list of potential suitors? I've got to jump off line right now or I'd take a stab at it.
Bayhawks said:Interesting question. I don't know that this is answered specifically with regards to the franchise tag. A player must be on a roster for 6 games to accrue a season towards FA. If he doesn't, that means Bell doesn't accrue the season. If he doesn't accrue the season, it's like he never received the franchise tag (I guess). As a result, Pitt should be able to franchise him again, at 120% of his previous salary, which would be $14.5M.
Explicitly covered in CBA - they can indeed franchise him next year, but it must be as a non-exclusive FT and the compensation, should they not match, is only a 1st and a 3rd.matttyl said:While I understand it won't happen - what's the situation if Bell doesn't report all year? He didn't accrue another season, I get that - so the Steelers still own his rights? But would they have to franchise him again to do so? And would that amount be the 2018 amount again, or the 2019 amount?
Even if he never signs his second tag?Explicitly covered in CBA - they can indeed franchise him next year, but it must be as a non-exclusive FT and the compensation, should they not match, is only a 1st and a 3rd.
Look no further than the first 2 on your listBuckna said:Been posted before, but here are some of the teams with projected big Cap numbers per Sportrac (I left out teams like Dal & Ari for example):
Colts - 122.7M
Jets - 105M
Texans - 90M
Bills - 90M
Browns - 77M
Seahawks - 71M
Raiders - 62.5M
Bengals - 62M
49ers - 61.5M
Lions - 47M
GB - 38M
Balt - 36.8M (and can save 10M more by moving on from Flacco)
Edit: Colts, Texans, 49ers all could be legit contenders with the right pieces and have a need at RB. If Bell goes to the Jets or Bills, well, he definitely was all about the money and that's all.
https://twitter.com/akinkhabwala/status/1039250106934013952?s=21Changes nothing. Conner did well today. Serviceable. Not elite. Bell is elite
Bell is obj elite and a great receiver, but Connor is def on par in terms of running the football. As Waldman said yesterday, Bell is now a luxury for the Steelers.https://twitter.com/akinkhabwala/status/1039250106934013952?s=21
“#Steelers talked about James Conner’s breakaway speed all last week. He hit 15+ mph on five of his 31 rushes (16.1%) and once hit 20+ mph.
Le’Veon Bell does tons no one else can. But in this category: in 2017, Bell hit 15+ mph on 30 of 321 rushes (9.3%). And he never hit 20 mph”
Then he never gets to the 3rd year RFA status.Even if he never signs his second tag?
IF Bell doesn't sign the tag this season his contract will toll to next year and he will still be under the franchise tag and for the same $14.54M.Explicitly covered in CBA - they can indeed franchise him next year, but it must be as a non-exclusive FT and the compensation, should they not match, is only a 1st and a 3rd.
No. If he doesn't sign, there is no contract to toll. I just explained from the CBA how this works. He will not "still be under the franchise tag". The Stealers will have the option to offer him another Franchise Tender, albeit only a Non-Exclusive Franchise Tender, and with reduced compensation should he sign an offer from another team they do not match. They don't have to offer it, and if they FT someone else they can't FT Bell too.IF Bell doesn't sign the tag this season his contract will toll to next year and he will still be under the franchise tag and for the same $14.54M.
So, Bell gets to solicit offers from other teams next year, whether he signs his tender or not (unless he signs and Pitt franchises him for a 3rd straight year at the QB franchise rate-unlikely). I doubt it, but I wonder if Bell plans on sitting out all year (thus avoiding ANY wear & tear on his body), guaranteeing that he will get to see how other teams value him and ensuring he will be 100% healthy. Again, I think this is unlikely, as any prospective new team would not only have to offer him a contract he'd accept, but they'd also have to give up a 1st & a 3rd.No. If he doesn't sign, there is no contract to toll. I just explained from the CBA how this works. He will not "still be under the franchise tag". The Stealers will have the option to offer him another Franchise Tender, albeit only a Non-Exclusive Franchise Tender, and with reduced compensation should he sign an offer from another team they do not match. They don't have to offer it, and if they FT someone else they can't FT Bell too.
edit: here's the CBA language, TLDR version
In the event that a ... Franchise Player has not signed a Player Contract...by the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season,the player shall be prohibited from playing football in the NFL for the remainder of that League Year
If any Franchise Player does not play in the NFL in a League Year, his Prior Team shall have the right to designate such player as a Franchise Player or a Tran-sition Player the following League Year, ...the player may be designated only under Section 2(a)(i) above (Non-exclusive Franchise Tender), except that Draft Choice Compensation of only one first round draft selection and one third round draft selection
CBA verbatim:
Section 15. Signing Period for Franchise Players:
(a) In the event that a player who is designated and tendered as a Franchise Player has not signed a Player Contract with a Club by the Tuesday following the tenth week of the regular season, at 4:00pm New York time, the player shall be prohibited from playing football in the NFL for the remainder of that League Year, absent a show-ing to the Impartial Arbitrator of extreme Club or extreme personal hardship. The determination of the Impartial Arbitrator shall be made within five days of the applica-tion, and shall consider all information relating to such hardship submitted by such date. The determination of the Impartial Arbitrator shall be final and binding upon all parties.
(c) If any Franchise Player does not play in the NFL in a League Year, his Prior Team shall have the right to designate such player as a Franchise Player or a Tran-sition Player the following League Year, if such designation is otherwise available to the Team, except that the applicable Tender must be made and any 120% Tender shall be measured from the Player’s Prior Year Salary. If such a player is redesignated as a Fran-chise Player for the League Year following the League Year in which he does not play, the player may be designated only under Section 2(a)(i) above, except that Draft Choice Compensation of only one first round draft selection and one third round draft selection
Yeah they won't FT him next year if he signs this year, and no way he doesn't sign at some point. He's not going to give them that leverage again.So, Bell gets to solicit offers from other teams next year, whether he signs his tender or not (unless he signs and Pitt franchises him for a 3rd straight year at the QB franchise rate-unlikely). I doubt it, but I wonder if Bell plans on sitting out all year (thus avoiding ANY wear & tear on his body), guaranteeing that he will get to see how other teams value him and ensuring he will be 100% healthy. Again, I think this is unlikely, as any prospective new team would not only have to offer him a contract he'd accept, but they'd also have to give up a 1st & a 3rd.
He won't do that because if the Steelers offer him the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tender nest year, it will kill his market since if he signs with another team and the Steelers don't match that team forfeits their 1st and a 3rd to the Steelers. So who wants to give up a first and sign him to a huge contract?So, Bell gets to solicit offers from other teams next year, whether he signs his tender or not (unless he signs and Pitt franchises him for a 3rd straight year at the QB franchise rate-unlikely). I doubt it, but I wonder if Bell plans on sitting out all year (thus avoiding ANY wear & tear on his body), guaranteeing that he will get to see how other teams value him and ensuring he will be 100% healthy. Again, I think this is unlikely, as any prospective new team would not only have to offer him a contract he'd accept, but they'd also have to give up a 1st & a 3rd.
In the unlikely event that Bell does not report this season I don't think the Steelers franchise him again (unless Conner flops or seriously injured). Once you place the franchise tag on him you have account for his franchise amount under the cap and I doubt they would do it again considering he could hold out or retire (he already threatened this before). I think the team is done with him and does not want to go through this drama again.He won't do that because if the Steelers offer him the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tender nest year, it will kill his market since if he signs with another team and the Steelers don't match that team forfeits their 1st and a 3rd to the Steelers. So who wants to give up a first and sign him to a huge contract?
The only way Schefty can be right here is if he sites Source, not sources. As in a single source which is Bell himself. I don't care what anyone "Believes" besides Bell. The team believed he would be there for game 1, then Rappaport said they believed he would sign this past Saturday. Actually, scratch that. I don't even believe Bell here. He led everyone to believe he would be there week one, so even if it was just one source and that source was bell, I wouldn't believe it. That guy is not coming back till week 10.Schefter said that sources believe he'll show up in Sept, but I wouldn't believe anything unless it comes from Leveon or his agent directly. Right now bank on week 10. Schefty be damned.
I said that in the last line of my previous post, however, (and I know they are different positions), Chicago just traded 2 firsts, 1 3rd, & 1 6th in exchange for Mack, a 2nd, and a 5th for the right to give Mack a massive, long-term contract. So it's not out of the question.He won't do that because if the Steelers offer him the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tender nest year, it will kill his market since if he signs with another team and the Steelers don't match that team forfeits their 1st and a 3rd to the Steelers. So who wants to give up a first and sign him to a huge contract?
To be fair, I don't think Bell ever said that. We had reports that he told teammates he'd show, then HE came out immediately and said "fake news." I don't believe he ever said he'd report by a specific day.The only way Schefty can be right here is if he sites Source, not sources. As in a single source which is Bell himself. I don't care what anyone "Believes" besides Bell. The team believed he would be there for game 1, then Rappaport said they believed he would sign this past Saturday. Actually, scratch that. I don't even believe Bell here. He led everyone to believe he would be there week one, so even if it was just one source and that source was bell, I wouldn't believe it. That guy is not coming back till week 10.
I am pretty sure that Bell and his agent been all over the place since the end of the 2017 season. His agent definitely said he would report by week 1 "barring something exceptional" and there were reports when training camp started that Bell had told several of his offensive lineman he would sign on labor day weekend.To be fair, I don't think Bell ever said that. We had reports that he told teammates he'd show, then HE came out immediately and said "fake news." I don't believe he ever said he'd report by a specific day.
Bell said he would have his best season ever in 2018. Pretty sure he needs to be on the field week 1 to pull that off.To be fair, I don't think Bell ever said that. We had reports that he told teammates he'd show, then HE came out immediately and said "fake news." I don't believe he ever said he'd report by a specific day.
Scenario 2 - Bell doesn't sign the tag and sits out the whole season. Then Pittsburgh can tag him again for the same $14.54 M. The tag amount will not increase for Bell the 2019 season because he did not play under the tag in 2018.
Looks like he has it right now. The FT would be non-exclusive, not exclusive, but everything he wrote is actually correct.2 is not true - seem previous posts.Scenario 1 - Bell signs the tag before the deadline and plays the last six games. If Pittsburgh puts the franchise tag on him in 2019 he would be paid the average of the five highest players salary at any position.
Scenario 2 - Bell doesn't sign the tag and sits out the whole season. Then Pittsburgh can tag him again for the same $14.54 M. The tag amount will not increase for Bell the 2019 season because he did not play under the tag in 2018.
Yeah I guess I should have made that more clear.Looks like he has it right now. The FT would be non-exclusive, not exclusive, but everything he wrote is actually correct.
I wonder if these are the same sources that said he'd report last Monday, then Wednesday, then Saturday, now sometime in September. These "experts" just keep throwing stuff against the wall until something sticks. Eventually they will be right but right now it seems they are all just guessing like the rest of us.Schefter said that sources believe he'll show up in Sept, but I wouldn't believe anything unless it comes from Leveon or his agent directly. Right now bank on week 10. Schefty be damned.
Maybe. Maybe for Bell, holding out to stay healthy and protect his FA opportunity makes it his best year.Bell said he would have his best season ever in 2018. Pretty sure he needs to be on the field week 1 to pull that off.
His agent may have said that, but as far as I can tell, Bell never did. As for his teammates reportedly being told by Bell he'd report, he refuted those reports almost immediately after they were made public. And even Pouncer after running his mouth and guaranteeing Bell would report on Wednesday, admitted that Bell never said that, that he was just speculating.I am pretty sure that Bell and his agent been all over the place since the end of the 2017 season. His agent definitely said he would report by week 1 "barring something exceptional" and there were reports when training camp started that Bell had told several of his offensive lineman he would sign on labor day weekend.
Then again Bell said back in January that he might hold out or even retire if he was franchised so I agree with TheFantatic, I don't think anyone knows when Bell will report.