We’re in the midst of an action-packed deadline day, but Le’Veon Bell won’t be among the star players changing teams. The running back has yet to sign his franchise tender, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets, so the Steelers will not be able to trade him before the 4pm ET/3pm CT trade deadline. 
Bell and the Steelers are almost certainly headed for divorce in the offseason, but Bell has boxed the team in by holding out and refusing to go along with any potential midseason trade. Bell wants to turn in the best second half possible in order to maximize his free agent value and that means staying in the only NFL offense he’s ever known.
Of course, that’s a bit of a gamble on Bell’s part. When Bell returns to the Steelers, he’ll join a club that has found a bonafide RB1 in James Conner. Bell may see less touches than he has in previous years – something that he is in favor of as he looks to protect his odometer – which could cap his production.
Despite all of the drama, the Steelers are undoubtedly eager to get Bell back on the field. Barring any additional hiccups, the All-Pro should be in uniform for the Steelers’ Week 9 game against the Ravens and no later than the team’s Week 10 tilt against the Panthers.
Who would want that cancer on their team?
Given the injury risk that RBs face and the lack of guaranteed $, can you really fault him?
yes
100% this.
Seriously Zach? Please enlighten me on how he will make up for the 8 mil he’s forfeited. He will get paid next offseason but he’s never going to make up the 8mil. And it will probably go higher than 8 when he is on the exempt list.
when you made millions .. dose it really matter.
There is no guarantee he will make millions. One injury and he’s done. This isn’t like basketball with 40mil per season. He just threw away at least 8 mil that he will never recover
He could have been injured any time this season. His next contract will be for at least $40 million guaranteed for four or five years. His body has recovered with an off-season and half season off football (I’m sure he’s been training). Smart move by Bell. He told the Steelers to ready the guaranteed money and they stood on principle, no guaranteed money. That’s fine, principles go both ways.
Worked for John Riggins, subsequent superbowl MVP.
Ben Roethlisberger you mean Anthonyd4412? I mean, he’s the only quarterback they have…
The Jets
What about them? The article says Bells going nowhere.
Remember the days when guys played the game for the love of it?
You may, but those guys don’t because most of them are suffering serious long term health issues. But yea, it’s a game right?
and ended up with dementia and no healthcare……
I’m more disgusted with people defending the guy
Why?
Sure, when players were traded for refusing to play exhibition games without pay or for bringing an agent to a contract meeting with the team. And when the NFL blacklisted players who left the League to play for the All-American Football Conference back in the 1940’s. The NFLPA was founded in 1956 (10 years earlier than I thought they were before I checked Wikipedia).
I give Bell credit for staying in control of this situation, whatever the results.
F in the chat for me picked bell first round still 7-1 tho
Why would any team want this guy…..? Dude is the ultimate FU to his organization and more of important his teammates.
Pull the tag and let him walk. Steelers have their rb of the future, why welcome back bell
Lose the 3rd round comp pick if you do
I really hope that happens.
I don’t really understand the anger people have towards Bell, because it’s s decision that’s completely up to him and it only makes sense for him to play up his leverage — especially given the toll that comes with being a running back.
But while that’s his right, I also think betting on himself has 100% backfired, and was probably a mistake in hindsight. He’s lost several million dollars from not reporting, James Conner has essentially replicated his production while doing it for pennies on the dollar (which weakens Bell’s case), he’s losing a year of his prime, and I definitely believe that the offer the Steelers gave him this offseason was the best offer he’ll see moving forward, even on the open market.
So while I respect his decision to bet on himself because he has the right to, I just don’t think it’s worked out well at all for him.
Because he could have taken full advantage of his rights under the CBA without also doing everything he possibly could to sabotage the 2018 season for the rest of his teammates.
There was zero to gain by him not letting the team know what he would do and yet he has done a terrible thing to guys who are supposed to be on the same side.
…except he did put the Steelers on notice that he would hold out: last year, and this year again. The Steelers entered this season knowing this was his plan, and played hard ball, tried to shame him through his teammates and the media. Bell called their bluff. The Steelers knew last year they had no intent on resigning Bell on terms that were amicable to both: they could have traded him last season, this past offseason, etc… This drama is on them.
well said.
Some people might be eager to see Bell back on the team but not many of them are Steelers fans.
Unless they drafted him for a fantasy team.
I’m hoping they don’t pay him for two weeks and then sit him on the bench until/unless Conner is injured.
I’d prefer he just hold out all year so I don’t have to hear about him any more.
If he sits out the entire season the Steelers can tag him again at the same rate he would have made this year.
He will return on his terms likely for the last 6 games and be done with him
The other thing people forget is this isn’t the first year of Bell putting self before team. We are now in the second year of this act. Tag him next year and let him sit
Lol people mad at him!!!
They have a right
petty and ice cold on both sides
when he signs, use him as the #3 WR
He could have been injured any time this season. His next contract will be for at least $40 million guaranteed for four or five years. His body has recovered with an off-season and half season off football (I’m sure he’s been training). Smart move by Bell. He told the Steelers to ready the guaranteed money and they stood on principle, no guaranteed money. That’s fine, principles go both ways.
Worked for John Riggins, subsequent superbowl MVP.
Surprised the Eagles didn’t offer a 3rd round draft pick (like last year Ajayi trade) and have Bell accept a trade to an RB-less team. Would’ve been perfect.
He will receive a contract offer with more guaranteed in the off-season than the Steelers offered. The Steelers now know what they have in Conner.. and know they don’t have to devote significant cap space or draft capital to replace Bell when he departs.
I get cheering for your team, but can’t fathom why Steelers fans are so upset with Bell. He’s been highly underpaid for the majority of his career. I Can’t fault the guy for wanting a contract more in line with his production. He’s held up his end of the bargain.
To everyone complaining about Bell’s antics.. you’d do the same exact thing if you were in his shoes. Grow up and realize that he’s not complaining or trying to dictate your pay at your job.