TAG! You're it

[RaynorShyne]

Steelers expected to franchise tag Le'Veon Bell

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, the Steelers are expected to franchise tag Bell before Tuesday's deadline, barring a dramatic turn in talks, according to sources informed of the situation.

The second tag for Bell in two seasons is set to pay the running back $14.544 million in 2018. The question is if/when Bell might sign the tag. He sat out all offseason workouts last year before putting pen to paper on the franchise tender.

Sides have until July 16 to work on a long-term deal. If nothing is struck by that deadline, Bell would play under the one-year tender once again.

Full Story:  http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...eveon-bell

[Cali-Steeler]

Hes gone... Steelers try to trade him after the tag? And can they?

[sandfan]

There are lots of teams with significant cap room to sign him to a long term contract. I'd like to see that happen in concert with an attractive package of draft choices coming the Steeler's way. He's a great player but not worth over twice the compensation of the next highest running back. The last few super bowl winner got it done without a "Bell" in the backfield. I submit Pittsburgh can as well.

[Cali-Steeler]

I just hope they get something for him. I could be wrong, but in the past > haven't the Steeler's normally let their players play out the last season and not try to trade them and let them sign elsewhere afterwards?

[Cali-Steeler]

The Eagles are looking to move Foles...

[SteelThePain82]

Was listening to the Paul Zeise show on my way home from work and he was saying that the Steelers were offering Bell something retarded like $13.5 Million per year.
The current highest paid RB doesn't even surpass $9 Million per year.

Let that sink in...

Now also digest the following:

• Average age of decline for RB is 27 yrs old (Bell is 26 and receives more touches than any other RB in the league)
  
• Bell is one failed/missed drug test away from a year long suspension
  
• Bell is historically injury prone
  

The fact that the Steelers are STILL willing to pay as much as they are in spite of all of that is astounding!
The fact that he STILL feels like he deserves more is a testament to how selfish and stupid he is!
I'm OVER the "me me me GET MINE" DIVAS on this team.

The cancerous attitudes have been dragging this team down for years.
Time for some chemotherapy!!

[Rollers]

no one is going to offer a lot for Bell in trade. He's close to the declining era of his career. If they tag him he can sit for 10 games I think without affecting his career as a free agent or anything else. He's wise to the steelers tagging him and running his wheels off and has already said he will miss a lot of games if tagged. I have no idea what you do with him at this point. Teams know he's unhappy so why bother trading for him at this point? We've got nothing for a running back behind him. Seems like except for the threat of a tag he holds all the cards at this point. So I guess ship him for a round 2 or 3 draft pick? I'm not smart enough to know about that stuff but it would seem all your going to get.

[Rollers]

The Eagles are looking to move Foles...

oh man.  No!

[SteelThePain82]

no one is going to offer a lot for Bell in trade.  He's close to the declining era of his career.  If they tag him he can sit for 10 games I think without affecting his career as a free agent or anything else.  He's wise to the steelers tagging him and running his wheels off and has already said he will miss a lot of games if tagged.  I have no idea what you do with him at this point.  Teams know he's unhappy so why bother trading for him at this point?  We've got nothing for a running back behind him.  Seems like except for the threat of a tag he holds all the cards at this point.  So I guess ship him for a round 2 or 3 draft pick?  I'm not smart enough to know about that stuff but it would seem all your going to get.

$13.3 Million per year!!!!
If some other team wants to pay him the $15 Million he’s asking for, LET THEM!
Paul Zeise laid it out perfectly IMHO...
Slap a non-exclusive tag on him and let him test free agency.
He says he wants to retire a Steeler, I call BS!
Let him see that no other team worth it’s weight in salt is going to pay a 26 year old RB $15 Million per year.
And if a dumbass team like the Browns or Jets want to and he’s stupid and greedy enough to tank the rest of his career going to one of them, we’ll get two 1st round picks for him and NOT be locked up into cap Hell!

This draft class is DEEP at RB - we can get us another mid-round RB and be fine.
Conner will work his tail off for us WITHOUT the prima diva BS!

Steelers are doing Bell NO FAVORS by coddling him.
He NEEDS a reality check and the only way he’s gonna get it is by testing free agency.
Even his own agent was ready to sign the deal they offered last year!!!
Bell is a greedy, talented, moron!

[Cali-Steeler]

Imm need 18  > doesn't realize to get 14 Mil a year and possibly have a shot at the superbowl is hard to run by these days.

If he sits out the season over 14 Mil he'd be a dumb @$$. Although if he was injured then what happens? Imm a need 18 will now be = Imma need 6   

[RaynorShyne]

Le'Veon Bell: I won't 'settle' for less than my worth

He wants the salary of a #1 RB AND a #2 WR   - and , "Per the running back, apparently it's a lot more than $14.544 million for one year."

"We're not coming to a number we both agree on -- they are too low, or I guess they feel I'm too high," Bell said. "I'm playing for strictly my value to the team. That's what I'm asking. I don't think I should settle for anything less than what I'm valued at."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919672/article/leveon-bell-i-wont-settle-for-less-than-my-worth

I'd tell him what I think he's valued at, but it might be disruptive to the 'negotiations'.  

[SteelThePain82]

Le'Veon Bell: I won't 'settle' for less than my worth

He wants the salary of a #1 RB AND a #2 WR   - and , "Per the running back, apparently it's a lot more than $14.544 million for one year."

"We're not coming to a number we both agree on -- they are too low, or I guess they feel I'm too high," Bell said. "I'm playing for strictly my value to the team. That's what I'm asking. I don't think I should settle for anything less than what I'm valued at."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919672/article/leveon-bell-i-wont-settle-for-less-than-my-worth

I'd tell him what I think he's valued at, but it might be disruptive to the 'negotiations'.  

Seems to me that they need to let him test free agency and see EXACTLY what he’s worth!

[Rollers]

and who steps up to fill his spot? We got no one. zip. So you draft a guy number one with the garbage defense we have?

[SteelThePain82]

and who steps up to fill his spot? We got no one.  zip.  So you draft a guy number one with the garbage defense we have?

You are vastly over-valuing Bell.
Yes he IS an elite talent but he’s NOT worth $15 Million per year!
He isn’t even worth $14 Million per year!
RB by committee has worked perfectly fine for a half dozen other teams.
Talent at RB is practically vomiting out of every corner of the draft and free agency.
And DON’T underestimate Connor’s capabilities without giving him a fair shake at the starting job!  At LEAST he’ll give 110% without the prima diva BS!

And NO, I would go all in on defense and look for serviceable supplementary RBs in the bargain bin section of free agency and in round 5 and later of the draft.

[Cali-Steeler]

The Steelers need to start thinking about life without Bell. Unless he changes his Tude about $$$ We need another decent running back and better defensive backs to complement our passing game. (Superbowl) I'll say a 2 year window at best maybe 3...

But with Tomlin at the helm who knows either >

[sandfan]

I don't understand why the team did not put the non exclusive tag on Bell. Let the market determine his value. A dose of reality for all and maybe a chance to land a pick or two when he leaves.

[SteelThePain82]

I don't understand why the team did not put the non exclusive tag on Bell.  Let the market determine his value.  A dose of reality for all and maybe a chance to land a pick or two when he leaves.

That’s is the message that I’ve been preaching across the other fan groups on Facebook!
The worst thing that could have happened on the non exclusive franchise tag is that we get compensated two 1st round picks!

Scenario one: Bell gets a HARD dose of reality and signs a “somewhat” more reasonable contract.

Scenario two: Mike Ditka reincarnate trades the farm, yet again, for a Pothead RB!
The Steelers gain two 1st round picks and I, personally, do backflips to celebrate! 

[Chucktownsteeler]

I think last season showed his skills are already declining. I believe I read his longest run was 27 yards. Now, with that being said (and to play devil's advocate) this cat brings a lot to the table. He is a true 3-down back and valuable at picking up the blitz and as a check-down for Ben. Dude is violent and may have the best stiff-arm on a RB I've seen in a while.

I'd franchise him and see if a decent contract can be hammered out. If not, let him walk, he'll fit right in with 'da Raiders.

I like the RB from Tennessee (I know he won't be there when we pick).

[RaynorShyne]

I don't understand why the team did not put the non exclusive tag on Bell.  Let the market determine his value.  A dose of reality for all and maybe a chance to land a pick or two when he leaves.

That’s is the message that I’ve been preaching across the other fan groups on Facebook!
The worst thing that could have happened on the non exclusive franchise tag is that we get compensated two 1st round picks!

Scenario one: Bell gets a HARD dose of reality and signs a “somewhat” more reasonable contract.

Scenario two: Mike Ditka reincarnate trades the farm, yet again, for a Pothead RB!
The Steelers gain two 1st round picks and I, personally, do backflips to celebrate! 

May I remind you distinguished Gentlemen of the Super Bowel LII running backs:

Eagles:  LeGarrette Montez Blount (gee, if only we had him) and Oluwadamilola Jonathan Ajayi (released by the Dauphines)
Patriots: James White, Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead

[Rollers]

so they're stuck with him now. No one's going to trade for him. How many passes did Blount catch again? White? Dion? Burkhead? How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again? Just asking. There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys. NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya. If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

[RaynorShyne]

so they're stuck with him now.  No one's going to trade for him.  How many passes did Blount catch again?  White?  Dion?  Burkhead?  How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again?  Just asking.  There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys.  NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya.  If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

The biggest difference I saw this year comes in an average Size 10 - 18K gold, with a lot of diamonds

[Rollers]

so they're stuck with him now.  No one's going to trade for him.  How many passes did Blount catch again?  White?  Dion?  Burkhead?  How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again?  Just asking.  There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys.  NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya.  If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

The biggest difference I saw this year comes in an average Size 10 - 18K gold, with a lot of diamonds

and how much of that has to do with coaching?  You don't think Bell on the Patriots wouldn't be great?  Wouldn't make that team better?  I'm not saying he's worth what he's asking for but without him I'm thinking this team isn't going to be better.  Maybe with great coaching, something we sorely lack, it could be overcome.  But I think you're undervaluing him a little and maybe thinking these coaches could somehow compensate for his absence.  I don't think so.  But that's just my opinion

[Cali-Steeler]

       


I have to agree with you Jules... Unless the Steelers can strike gold with another running back, but I'm not confident in our coaching. That's just my own opinion.  Looking on youtube for past year - Bell highlights, he has eluded a lot of people for first downs... And other great plays.

But then again not sure what our new coordinator will be like? He could be 10 times better then Haley and show us all something new and wrong? Maybe? Maybe not... Bell is an elite player. But we can't  > Joe Flacko the Steelers and lose other players due to multiple players with high pay... Ben and Brown have high end contracts. If you add Bell at 18 Mill a year, The Steelers may have to start clipping other players. I know Mike Mitchell is going to be cut and resigned any week now to help restructure.

[RaynorShyne]

so they're stuck with him now.  No one's going to trade for him.  How many passes did Blount catch again?  White?  Dion?  Burkhead?  How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again?  Just asking.  There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys.  NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya.  If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

The biggest difference I saw this year comes in an average Size 10 - 18K gold, with a lot of diamonds

and how much of that has to do with coaching?  You don't think Bell on the Patriots wouldn't be great?  Wouldn't make that team better?  I'm not saying he's worth what he's asking for but without him I'm thinking this team isn't going to be better.  Maybe with great coaching, something we sorely lack, it could be overcome.  But I think you're undervaluing him a little and maybe thinking these coaches could somehow compensate for his absence.  I don't think so.  But that's just my opinion

I agree with your point 100% + some (if that were possible).  There's an old military saying, "I'd rather face an army of lions led by a lamb, than an army of lambs led by a lion"

We don't need an "all world/All Ego" running back.  We need a serviceable back, and much, much better play-calling.   If you sink $17M/year into a halfback - don't bitch about your DB's.

[Rollers]

so they're stuck with him now.  No one's going to trade for him.  How many passes did Blount catch again?  White?  Dion?  Burkhead?  How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again?  Just asking.  There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys.  NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya.  If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

The biggest difference I saw this year comes in an average Size 10 - 18K gold, with a lot of diamonds

and how much of that has to do with coaching?  You don't think Bell on the Patriots wouldn't be great?  Wouldn't make that team better?  I'm not saying he's worth what he's asking for but without him I'm thinking this team isn't going to be better.  Maybe with great coaching, something we sorely lack, it could be overcome.  But I think you're undervaluing him a little and maybe thinking these coaches could somehow compensate for his absence.  I don't think so.  But that's just my opinion

I agree with your point 100% + some (if that were possible).  There's an old military saying, "I'd rather face an army of lions led by a lamb, than an army of lambs led by a lion"

We don't need an "all world/All Ego" running back.  We need a serviceable back, and much, much better play-calling.   If you sink $17M/year into a halfback - don't bitch about your DB's.

Looks like we're going to have to pay him 14 million right?  Wasn't there anther tag we could have used to try and see what other teams offered and either met that or let him go for draft picks?  I don't believe we even have a serviceable running back at this point.  I was kind of pumped about Conner but he didn't look like he was the guy to me.  But I've been wrong before.  Then he went down.  So I don't know.  I do NOT want to pay Bell with numbers beyond 10 mill.  He's not taking that so I guess he sits?  I hate this part of football

[RaynorShyne]

so they're stuck with him now.  No one's going to trade for him.  How many passes did Blount catch again?  White?  Dion?  Burkhead?  How many did Bell catch and how much yardage did he have again?  Just asking.  There is a wold of difference between Bell and those guys.  NOt saying he's worth 14 mill a year and if that's what he want then see ya.  If he doesn't report to camp and sits 10 games is his 14 mill still guaranteed?

The biggest difference I saw this year comes in an average Size 10 - 18K gold, with a lot of diamonds

and how much of that has to do with coaching?  You don't think Bell on the Patriots wouldn't be great?  Wouldn't make that team better?  I'm not saying he's worth what he's asking for but without him I'm thinking this team isn't going to be better.  Maybe with great coaching, something we sorely lack, it could be overcome.  But I think you're undervaluing him a little and maybe thinking these coaches could somehow compensate for his absence.  I don't think so.  But that's just my opinion

I agree with your point 100% + some (if that were possible).  There's an old military saying, "I'd rather face an army of lions led by a lamb, than an army of lambs led by a lion"

We don't need an "all world/All Ego" running back.  We need a serviceable back, and much, much better play-calling.   If you sink $17M/year into a halfback - don't bitch about your DB's.

Looks like we're going to have to pay him 14 million right?  Wasn't there anther tag we could have used to try and see what other teams offered and either met that or let him go for draft picks?  I don't believe we even have a serviceable running back at this point.  I was kind of pumped about Conner but he didn't look like he was the guy to me.  But I've been wrong before.  Then he went down.  So I don't know.  I do NOT want to pay Bell with numbers beyond 10 mill.  He's not taking that so I guess he sits?  I hate this part of football

It's the months of Bluster and Posing.   Imma-Need isn't going to give up $837K paychecks.

[RaynorShyne]

Forget it. Retract everything I've said. Looking at the NFL headlines and the $$$ being thrown at middle aged WR's and over the hill QB's and DL... I don't understand or grasp the Monopoly Money being thrown around. Fuck it, Pay LeVeon 100M per game, or $250K per hand off or reception. doesn't really matter. There's no 'loyalty'. there's no 'team'. There's a bunch of millionaire entertainers chasing the holy buck. A Lombardi is nice - feeds the ego and the 'look-at-me-trophy-case', but as long as 'you's getting yours' - it's all good.

[Crash]

Steelers put Bell talks on hold to concentrate on the draft and free agency.

[RaynorShyne]

Steelers put Bell talks on hold to concentrate on the draft and free agency.

Yeah, poor, under-appreciated Bell will have to flip the check registry over and learn to budget.  It's tough trying to make it by on only $11.866 million