Yes but that was ‘only’ (for us mortals that would be more than enough for a lifetime) 14 million for the rest of his life if he gets hurt. Say you guarantee that over 3 years. If he gets hurt the first year he has 42 million to live on not 14 million. The team (owned by a billionaire) takes the financial risk. He risks his body. I was just giving a hypothetical and numbers would have to work for both sides but I still think it could make sense for us. I generally would agree about Ballard not doing things this way but Bell is a special talent Circumstancces are different. It will be interesting to see Ballard’s move

He wants a long term deal with guarantees. If he truly is interested, frontload a deal with all guarantees in the first year and go from there. His talent would certainly be useful in Reich's offense.

Bell wants 45 guaranteed and an average of about 17 per year. Steelers might transition tag him.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers...n-bell-in-2019

https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/11...ee-agency-2019

Will Ballard do it? I don't know. He has pursued the top FA's before but would not give them exorbitant contracts. I sure he will at least explore the idea and talk with his agent, part of Ballard's job. We have space and no huge contracts coming up to dish out I believe. Should make a fun off-season.

I'm still on the fence about it, but as has been mentioned multiple times by wiser than me, it's not MY money.

Also yes, Ballard hasn't thrown a ton of money at any top tier FAs...yet. And there is a ton of money available. But I doubt that cap space is just there so that Irsay can save money. I think Ballard has been keeping it available so that he has options if/when a home run hitter becomes available.

The convergence of his availability, the Colts' huge amount of cap space, Indy's need (somewhat debatable) of a #1 RB, and the team's seemingly dramatic upward trend might prove too tempting to all sides.

You know, I've talked myself into this being a win/win. I'm down.

I'd like to stick with the 3 backs we have now and upgrade all other parts of the team.

You don't need elite skill position players when you have dominant lines.

Is it mutually exclusive though? I don't know if it is.

You should play the lottery more if chances are that similar. :cool:

I have convinced myself that we should sign him. We have the space. It keeps him from going to another AFC team and vaulting them past us. Just front-load it.

I would love to see how Reich uses Bell's skillset. Both Bell and Hines can play wr Having them on the field at the same time with this offensive line could provide matchup nightmares. You would hope that the Colts at least kick the tires.

It is not, but it is hard to maintain. I just have a hard time wrapping my head around paying a RB as much as he wants, when they take a lot of abuse and tend to drop off hard and quick. He is an amazing talent and would be an awesome tool in this offense, but RBs tend to get banged up at a high rate and just fall off hard. I prefer to stick with the RB by committee.