Kaboly latest news on Bell

[Suwanee88]

This is a few days old....heard it on Madden podcast from Friday.

According to Kaboom, Bell doesn’t even have to report this year and he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019. He doesn’t have to play 6 games, nothing.

Unless the Steelers franchise him at $25M next year he is mostl likely done in Pittsburgh.

[86n96]

So, we're pretty much just using 14 million in cap space just to keep this dickhole off another roster?

[Suwanee88]

So, we're pretty much just using 14 million in cap space just to keep this dickhole off another roster?

Apologies I don’t buy the Athletic so I can’t post the link but that’s exactly what it sounds like to me.

It looks like the Steelers banked on him coming in and he may be fucking them royally. I am guessing the Steelers had to know this was a possibility. Incredible.

[Suwanee88]

Just heard Rappaport report that the Steelers are not just waiting on calls but they are actively pursuing a trade of Bell - they are making the calls.

They are asking for at least a #2 and another player for Bell. That gets you Bell for this year only. A team can’t even negotiate with Bell until after the season.

[Obviously]

Stupid fucking Steelers went the "exclusive" franchise tag route with our man Lev. As my good friend B2B stated some time ago, the Steelers should have gone the "non-exclusive" franchise tag route. The difference:

An "exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. The player's team has all the negotiating rights to the exclusive player.

A "non-exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five cap hits at the player's position for the previous five years applied to the current salary cap, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A non-exclusive franchise player may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if the player signs an offer sheet from another team, the original team has a right to match the terms of that offer, or if it does not match the offer and thus loses the player, is entitled to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

[Scunge]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

[zeke5123]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

This. If he doesn’t show up, then he is toast. The Steelers can tag him again at little cost (as I understand the cap hit this year is basically carried forward to next year). This will substantially drive down his market value given that no one will want to pay him top dollar and trade something of value to the Steelers.

If he doesn’t show up for the final six games, then unless he is willing to sign a much smaller deal compared to the one the Steelers offered him and/or play under the tag, he won’t play another down in the NFL.

[W&M_Steeler]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

Right, but does anyone really believe that the Steelers would tag Bell again next year, even if the tag would only be $14.5 million? Why would the Steelers want to do that, and tie up that much cap space for another year on a player who doesn't want to be here? Just for spite? I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

If Bell doesn't show up at all this year, could the Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year? Or has that opportunity passed? If the only option is putting the exclusive tag on Bell again, then I don't think the Steelers will do that even if they could do so for $14.5 million in 2019.

[zeke5123]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

Right, but does anyone really believe that the Steelers would tag Bell again next year, even if the tag would only be $14.5 million? Why would the Steelers want to do that, and tie up that much cap space for another year on a player who doesn't want to be here? Just for spite? I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

If Bell doesn't show up at all this year, could the Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year? Or has that opportunity passed? If the only option is putting the exclusive tag on Bell again, then I don't think the Steelers will do that even if they could do so for $14.5 million in 2019.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Say the cap is 100 dollars and the franchise tag is 14 dollars. Any unused cap gets rolled forward to next year. So if Bell doesn’t show up, the steelers will have 114 million next year. You can tag him again toand still have a full 100 to use.

Why you do it? First, you want to ensure the strength of the franchise tag. Second, you want to make sure you get a good draft piece in compensation.

[tbsteel]

Has anyone under 400 pounds confirmed this?

[LakecrestSteeler]

Stupid fucking Steelers went the "exclusive" franchise tag route with our man Lev. As my good friend B2B stated some time ago, the Steelers should have gone the "non-exclusive" franchise tag route. The difference:

An "exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. The player's team has all the negotiating rights to the exclusive player.

A "non-exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five cap hits at the player's position for the previous five years applied to the current salary cap, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. A non-exclusive franchise player may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if the player signs an offer sheet from another team, the original team has a right to match the terms of that offer, or if it does not match the offer and thus loses the player, is entitled to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.

I am not sure I buy this. It sounds good in theory, but Bell receives no financial upside by the opposing team for the 2 first round draft picks. In actuality, it is probably a financial hit to the total package Bell could receive otherwise. I just don’t see any teams being able to come up with a compensation package that would appease Bell and not put said team on a ruinous track.

[W&M_Steeler]

Right, but does anyone really believe that the Steelers would tag Bell again next year, even if the tag would only be $14.5 million? Why would the Steelers want to do that, and tie up that much cap space for another year on a player who doesn't want to be here? Just for spite? I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

If Bell doesn't show up at all this year, could the Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year? Or has that opportunity passed? If the only option is putting the exclusive tag on Bell again, then I don't think the Steelers will do that even if they could do so for $14.5 million in 2019.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Say the cap is 100 dollars and the franchise tag is 14 dollars. Any unused cap gets rolled forward to next year. So if Bell doesn’t show up, the steelers will have 114 million next year. You can tag him again toand still have a full 100 to use.

Why you do it? First, you want to ensure the strength of the franchise tag. Second, you want to make sure you get a good draft piece in compensation.

I'm not sure that that's true. It would seem to create the opportunity for gaming the cap system. As far as I understand, the cap is an annual use it or lose it system. The only benefit to having excess cap space is that the ownership saved money that year by not spending it on player salary. But I'm certainly no capologist- so if there's rollover then that's something to consider. But I'd think that getting rid of the drama surrounding Bell would be worth something even if there wouldn't be a cap hit for keeping him.

EDIT: Looks like you are right about rollover. I did not realize that was a possibility.

[Stosh-67]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

Would not be surprised if the two dingbats, Bell and his agent, are not aware of this.
Or they do know and they do not mind sitting the whole year and throwing away $14.544 million, thinking they will make it up.

[Stosh-67]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

Right, but does anyone really believe that the Steelers would tag Bell again next year, even if the tag would only be $14.5 million? Why would the Steelers want to do that, and tie up that much cap space for another year on a player who doesn't want to be here? Just for spite? I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

If Bell doesn't show up at all this year, could the Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year? Or has that opportunity passed? If the only option is putting the exclusive tag on Bell again, then I don't think the Steelers will do that even if they could do so for $14.5 million in 2019.

How about this scenario.
Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year, early as possible.
See what Bell is offered by other teams. If he signs elsewhere, grab the drafts picks............or if its not ( 2 ) first rounders, negotiate with that team ( 2 seconds? a second and 3rd )

If Bell gets no bites, because teams do not want to sign him for big money AND give up draft picks.

Then there are other options.
Steelers never spend big money in FA, they usually wait to day 3 or 4.
Big, big money is usually spent before midnight of FA.
But.
Steelers will still have a very large amount of money to spend in FA....with Shaz off the books, The Bell $14,5 rollover, other dead weight players moving on................
Can still be a big player in FA........
Can still add at least one of an ILB, CB, S, OLB, etc....
Will have the cap room to sign an impact player. starter.

An spite of all spites, Still rescind the Bell tag a few days, week, into FA ............after the huge money is gone for RB's...........
And then still go out and spend some more on additional talent for the defense...with an extra $14.55 million available.
Some pretty good talent is still out their a few days, a week or more into FA.
We are talking about starters still being out there.

The PS are not going to bring in big time FA's that cost $12-13-15 million a year.
But I can see them doing some more Haden like deals.
one or two $9 to $12 million dollar deals.

[Steelknife]

If he doesn't show up at all, Steelers have to tag him again to lock up his rights. I don't they would.

[LakecrestSteeler]

This has been explained a great deal here on Fury. He has to come in and play those last 6 games in order for the 2nd franchise tag of $14.544 million to count.

If Bell does not show up at all this season the Steelers would be able to slap the same $14.544 million franchise tag on him for 2019.

But, if Bell shows up for the last 6 games, that $14.544 tag counts, and then next season in 2019 if he were franchised by the Steelers it would count as the top 5 paid overall position which would be QB and would be $25-27 million.

Bell WILL show up and sign his tender before November 13th because he will want to force the Steelers hand. No way will they tie up over $25 million for Bell on yet another tag for 2019.

Madden and many on NFL.com NFL Network just don't seem to understand that the 6 games have nothing to do with him being a free agent, he has already accrued enough time to be a free agent, why do people think he has been franchised two years in a row? If the Steelers hadn't tagged him he would have signed elsewhere.

The reporting for the 6 games is all about forcing the $25+ million 3rd franchise tag for next season, if he doesn't the Steelers can tag him at $14.544 million again for 2019.

Right, but does anyone really believe that the Steelers would tag Bell again next year, even if the tag would only be $14.5 million? Why would the Steelers want to do that, and tie up that much cap space for another year on a player who doesn't want to be here? Just for spite? I don't think that would go over well with anyone.

If Bell doesn't show up at all this year, could the Steelers apply the transition / non-exclusive tag on him next year? Or has that opportunity passed? If the only option is putting the exclusive tag on Bell again, then I don't think the Steelers will do that even if they could do so for $14.5 million in 2019.

For the record, it would sit well with me. It is already budgeted.

And talking out of both sides of my mouth, maybe do the non-exclusive next year, which will create a severe drag on Bell’s total compensation. There is no way Bell will get what the Steelers offered him from another team, plus have said team give up 2 first rounders. So I want to see the Steelers do this, just to watch Bell take the diminished offer from the suitor team, and then watch the Steelers not match and collect two 1st rounders! What would Bell do to counter this? Not play again? Sign with the Steelers and a low ball offer?

Please Art II do this. I will get the popcorn out and gladly watch this!

[Scunge]

In terms of whether the Steelers would franchise him a 3rd year in a row, nobody knows for sure. I mean it is entirely possible that the Rooneys are feeling pressure by other owners, by Roger, to hold the line if you will. Maybe there is this unwritten thing where the owners aren't going to let Bell or any player get some upper hand in terms of the franchise tag, or free agency. Might be true, who knows.

Yes, any unused money rolls over to next season, how do people think some of these teams end up with some of these large sums of money under the cap?

If we were $6 million under the cap, and then are able to somehow deal Bell we would recoup that full $14.544 million, and then poof just like that we are rolling over $20.5 million to 2019. Then if they make other decisions like say they cut Dupree and get rid of his $9.2 million 5th year option for 2019, they are near $30 million under the cap. Say the cap goes up $5 million, then the Steelers are $35 million under the cap. Say they give Ben a 2 year extension and take his $12 million base salary for 2019 and reduce it to $2 million, that is paid out to him in the form of a bonus, spread out over the remaining 3 years of his contract and they could free up $7 million. So now they could be $42 million under the cap. Say they get rid of Berry their punter in place of a new punter making the minimum, that saves $1.35 million. Say that Oly Adeniyi is kept over Anthony Chickillo, that saves $1.5 million. Say Bey is finally cut, and Hunter. Maybe Tyson Alualu and his $3 million salary is gone. Steelers could easily be almost $50 million under the cap.

That is why I don't care about keeping Bell, franchising him, etc. Take that money and finally splurge in free agency!! Go get a CB, or an OLB, or an ILB, or a G, whatever holes you have to fill. And who cares if we sign so many players that it negates whatever comp pick we get for Bell, who cares?

[Steelafan77]

That is exactly what I was thinking too Stosh. I would hope the Steelers are planning something recourse wise to get even value once Bell does 'officially' move down the road. Another thing I was thinking is it benefits the Steelers to be patient and wait this situation out simply for value sake. IMHO, No 'smart' team would part ways with some of the scenarios speculated here for essentially 13 games. Any 'smart' team looking to add value to their running/passing game would want to negotiate a long term deal with Bell and secure his services for the foreseeable future. I'd say being patient in this situation will prove to be the smart choice for the Steelers.

[zeke5123]

In terms of whether the Steelers would franchise him a 3rd year in a row, nobody knows for sure. I mean it is entirely possible that the Rooneys are feeling pressure by other owners, by Roger, to hold the line if you will. Maybe there is this unwritten thing where the owners aren't going to let Bell or any player get some upper hand in terms of the franchise tag, or free agency. Might be true, who knows.

Yes, any unused money rolls over to next season, how do people think some of these teams end up with some of these large sums of money under the cap?

If we were $6 million under the cap, and then are able to somehow deal Bell we would recoup that full $14.544 million, and then poof just like that we are rolling over $20.5 million to 2019. Then if they make other decisions like say they cut Dupree and get rid of his $9.2 million 5th year option for 2019, they are near $30 million under the cap. Say the cap goes up $5 million, then the Steelers are $35 million under the cap. Say they give Ben a 2 year extension and take his $12 million base salary for 2019 and reduce it to $2 million, that is paid out to him in the form of a bonus, spread out over the remaining 3 years of his contract and they could free up $7 million. So now they could be $42 million under the cap. Say they get rid of Berry their punter in place of a new punter making the minimum, that saves $1.35 million. Say that Oly Adeniyi is kept over Anthony Chickillo, that saves $1.5 million. Say Bey is finally cut, and Hunter. Maybe Tyson Alualu and his $3 million salary is gone. Steelers could easily be almost $50 million under the cap.

That is why I don't care about keeping Bell, franchising him, etc. Take that money and finally splurge in free agency!! Go get a CB, or an OLB, or an ILB, or a G, whatever holes you have to fill. And who cares if we sign so many players that it negates whatever comp pick we get for Bell, who cares?

The problem is that if we splurge, then any compensation for Bell goes poof. If we could get even a fourth for him and splurge, then that’s the best of both worlds. Key thing is we need to have a deal in place quickly for Bell.

[Legacy User]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

[zeke5123]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

Yeah. He gets 14 large multiplied by 6 and divided by 16.

[LakecrestSteeler]

Bell and his agent have not factored in the time it takes to recover to elite levels after 18 months.

Look at MJs return from baseball to basketball.
Tiger’s return to golf.
Bryant’s year long suspension.
Luck
Bell last year.

I don’t know if these are good examples, but the sports landscape is littered with the struggle and time it takes to get back to elite levels. It does not just happen.

Good God what a fool! You get to go around life’s track once, and he has been blessed with NFL HOF skills and is absolutely wasting it. Probably over less than a million dollars when all the puts and takes are finally tabulated against his brand.

Dear Le’Veon...you are a gladiator...go gladiate for the masses so we can forget about our ills. In my humble opinion your skills, when honed in a professional forum and taken to heights no others are capable, are just as special as the great writers, poets, musicians, artists of our time, and add to life’s great tapestry and can even advance civilization! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!

[W&M_Steeler]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

Is it a sure thing that Bell wouldn't be considered in the 2019 Comp Pick formula if the Steelers were to withdraw the tag right now? I've seen conflicting statements on that point.

[LakecrestSteeler]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

Still Lit...I think number 2 is wrong. According to NBC ProFootballTalk, the Steelers can rescind the tag and still get compensation according to some letter of interpretation that goes with the CBA. You say “cut”, I assume cut and rescinding the tag are one and the same.

[Legacy User]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

Still Lit...I think number 2 is wrong. According to NBC ProFootballTalk, the Steelers can rescind the tag and still get compensation according to some letter of interpretation that goes with the CBA. You say “cut”, I assume cut and rescinding the tag are one and the same.

That’s great news if I’m wrong about 2. By cut I do mean rescind the tag. I thought that if you voluntarily let a tagged player go, you get nothing.

[Stosh-67]

It strikes me that Bell really has the team over a barrel.

1. No team could possibly be so stupid as to trade for Bell and give the Steelers a fair return for what they are losing only to have Bell bolt to highest bidder the next year. We’re already at the quarter mark of the season. Who in the hell is going to give up a high draft pick for a half season rental?

2. If the Steelers cut Bell, they save the cash but get fuck all. No player via trade. No comp pick.

3. Bell can stroll in and get 14 large for only playing 6 games.

Am I missing anything here?

Agree with #1.
PS are in a tuff spot as far as trade value.

I think the only team that would trade for him would be a team that has all of the below in play.
- a SB contender with some cap space
- a SB contender that losses their #1 RB for the year and does not want to blow their chances. ( Rams - Gurley, Saints -Kamara, Vikings - Cook, Atlanta?
- a SB contending team that does not have a good to great RB that would put their offense over the top. Carolina? GB

[Stosh-67]

Bell to the Seahawks for Thomas rumors out there............
Player for a player.....both of whom may be rest of the season rentals.

With the Steelers having a better shot at resigning Thomas.
Maybe? lol. with his Cowboys fascination

[Steelperch]

Here’s what’s going on. Steelers FO is leaking all kinds of info they’d theoretically be interested in as far as terms for a deal for Bell to try and generate some interest and put more pressure on Bell.

The whole thing is them trying to get any interest because they know if he doesn’t show up at all this year he counts on the compensatory formula for last offseason which means he nets them nothing as they signed one more fa than they lost. They planned on running him into the ground this year then getting a 3rd round comp for him in 2020. Now they stand to not have him all year and not get any compensation.

I find it interesting they’d leak they are interested in Earl Thomas. Only way they can swing that is to have Bell off the books. If they can get a 2nd for Bell, they can send it to Seattle for Thomas.

At this point they’re just desperate and Bells situation isn’t something anybody wants to trade for. They might be forced to dump him for a 5th.

[Kodiak]

That’s great news if I’m wrong about 2. By cut I do mean rescind the tag. I thought that if you voluntarily let a tagged player go, you get nothing.

As I think about it, rescinding the tag is effectively the same as letting a player walk in FA. Although it seems like the league would not reward that the same as losing a player to the normal FA process. But no one knows what the actual formula for comp picks is.

Of course, a really savvy GM could potentially still screw PIT with a creative contract that might only be viewed as a part-year deal for calculating comp picks. Something like a contract for the remainder of the year, and then an option that basically triggers a new contract if exercised.

[RemoAZ]

Is he really that afraid to get injured that he will give up $14.5 million just to guarantee he is healthy next year when he negotiates a contract? That is the only reason he could be doing this. He's never making up that $14.5 million no matter what he signs for next year. Plus he's a year older in probably the shortest shelf life of any position in the NFL. I can't see how this helps his negotiating for next year in any way other than guaranteeing he hasn't failed another drug test or been injured.