Steelers' Le'Veon Bell to Jets in free agency?

[gmf1369]

Could the Jets sign Le'veon Bell this offseason? He's a free agent after this season, and he was a Jets fan growing up....

Bell is scheduled to become a free agent after this season, when the Jets could have about $85 million in salary cap space. Bell is playing this year on the franchise tag.

The Steelers could always tag him again, but that would start to get rather expensive. Bell is still young. He turns 26 in February. This is his fifth NFL season.

Considering the Jets could ditch both Powell and Forte (but surely at least Forte) after this season, Bell would certainly make a nice addition.

Bottom line: He will go to whichever team pays him the most money, which is a completely reasonable thing to do when you play a dangerous sport that has a small earning window.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

I'd pass on Bell personally. Too much baggage and he wants over $15 mill per year. I'm sure he is seeking a very large guaranteed amount as well.

 

[SackExchange]

Forte is definitely gone.

Imagine landing Haley as OC and signing Bell, as well as drafting a QB and a bit of OL upgrading. Suddenly, the Jets are in position to build a long-term offense similar to what the Steelers have had.

 

[LIJETFAN]

As good as Bell is, I would pass. You can find good RBs in the draft.

 

[butterscotch]

at the right price he rings my bell

 

[Gramoah]

at the right price he rings my bell

His right price won't be the same as yours butterscotch. He has said that he believes running backs are way underpaid and he wants to set an example. He also said that if they franchise him again he might just retire.

 

[butterscotch]

His right price won't be the same as yours butterscotch. He has said that he believes running backs are way underpaid and he wants to set an example. He also said that if they franchise him again he might just retire.

I think travel bags are on sale at Macys..........but not to NY lol

 

[Gramoah]

I think travel bags are on sale at Macys..........but not to NY lol

And I don't believe he's actually retire. I do think he might hold out for as long as possible. But.......if we could get him ......would be awesome. It's fun to dream isn't it ?

 

[butterscotch]

And I don't believe he's actually retire. I do think he might hold out for as long as possible. But.......if we could get him ......would be awesome. It's fun to dream isn't it ?

Yes it is...but as a kid I was dreaming about Richie Allen on the Cardinals & guess what it came true......did ot work out well lol

 

[beresford]

It would be amusing seeing Bell in the backfield 'patiently' waiting for our O-line to make a hole for him.

 

[Gramoah]

It would be amusing seeing Bell in the backfield 'patiently' waiting for our O-line to make a hole for him.

Well, he is known for being patient and if we can address this"O" line during the off season he might not need to be as patient.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

Bell reportedly missed all but last 5 mins of walkthrough for jags Playoff game.
He apparently did not feel as strongly about their final practice of the year.

Tucked into the end of a season wrap-up by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was news that Bell skipped all but the final five minutes of the Saturday walk-through before last week’s loss to the Jaguars.

He also reportedly showed up later than the deadline set by coach Mike Tomlin for game days, as the coach wants players and staff there two hours before kickoff and he ignored that instruction.

Those kind of things will have to factor into their contractual decisions this offseason. Tagging Bell again will cost them $14.57 million, and there’s no guarantee he’ll show up if that happens. He skipped training camp and the preseason last year, but was second in the league with 1,946 yards from scrimmage.

He’s also threatened to sit out the season or retire if they tag him again, making this a tenuous situation for the Steelers moving forward.

 

[Gramoah]

Bell reportedly missed all but last 5 mins of walkthrough for jags Playoff game.
He apparently did not feel as strongly about their final practice of the year.

Tucked into the end of a season wrap-up by Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was news that Bell skipped all but the final five minutes of the Saturday walk-through before last week’s loss to the Jaguars.

He also reportedly showed up later than the deadline set by coach Mike Tomlin for game days, as the coach wants players and staff there two hours before kickoff and he ignored that instruction.

Those kind of things will have to factor into their contractual decisions this offseason. Tagging Bell again will cost them $14.57 million, and there’s no guarantee he’ll show up if that happens. He skipped training camp and the preseason last year, but was second in the league with 1,946 yards from scrimmage.

He’s also threatened to sit out the season or retire if they tag him again, making this a tenuous situation for the Steelers moving forward.

Yeah, he's made a point to show them that he's not happy with the pay grade or their treatment of him. I guess he figures none of the other teams pay any attention to his coming late or that they would want him badly enough to overlook such behavior. The tardiness only started, as I understand it, at the end of this season when salary talks weren't going his way and it looked like they were going to tag him. Like you say, a tenuous situation.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

Yeah, he's made a point to show them that he's not happy with the pay grade or their treatment of him. I guess he figures none of the other teams pay any attention to his coming late or that they would want him badly enough to overlook such behavior. The tardiness only started, as I understand it, at the end of this season when salary talks weren't going his way and it looked like they were going to tag him. Like you say, a tenuous situation.

Last year's offer was pretty good , $30 million in the first two years, $42 million over three years guaranteed, average of $12 million per year and they reportedly increased the offer this year.
That's way too much for him. Injury history, drug suspension history. He's demanding over $15 million per year guaranteed on a long term deal. I don't think he's worth it personally not with the baggage he brings with him.

 

[Gramoah]

Last year's offer was pretty good , $30 million in the first two years, $42 million over three years guaranteed, average of $12 million per year and they reportedly increased the offer this year.
That's way too much for him. Injury history, drug suspension history. He's demanding over $15 million per year guaranteed on a long term deal. I don't think he's worth it personally not with the baggage he brings with him.

Agreed, and apparently, that's how they feel too. In the end I don't think he will retire. He may hold out but he wants to play. It's hard to say if any other team would meet his price, It's a wait and see situation I guess. If he could be had on the cheap it would be a boost to our offense but I don't see that happening.

 

[TonyFtLaud]

Agreed, and apparently, that's how they feel too. In the end I don't think he will retire. He may hold out but he wants to play. It's hard to say if any other team would meet his price, It's a wait and see situation I guess. If he could be had on the cheap it would be a boost to our offense but I don't see that happening.

He could retire or sit out a year but the reality is that will cost him $15 million and reduce his value in 2019.
Thats alot of Marijuana to pass up.....:global (5):

 

[Gramoah]

Ha Ha.................:global (27):

 

[AFA2017]

QB Cousins, RB Bell, C Jensen in FA. Draft Nelson OG at #1,an OL in the 2nd Rd, and a WR with are other 2nd Rd pick. Yes, I would be happy with this!

 

[ReallyBigfan]

I would not spend the kind of money he wants on a RB in general, especially one with attitude problems. Our resources will be far better directed towards the offensive line, an improvement in which will be reflected in an improved running game even with the RBs we currently have. After OL we need better coverage CBs and an edge rusher. I'm not even talking about addressing the QB situation, which is a given. With the picks we have in the draft and the cap money we have available, Mac has a chance to turn this team around in a serious way this offseason - as long as he gets it right.