Quote:
Originally Posted by Chaka
Reasons NOT to sign Le'Veon Bell, in my personal order of significance:
1. Not convinced that he's as effective as his reputation suggests - his last season's production has been exceeded by the replacement RBs that Pittsburgh has used (Conner, Samuels).
2. Might be on the downside of his career - RBs often peak at age 25 or younger.
3. Price - is the upgrade over Mack worth the increased price that Bell would command? I know we have lots of cap space, but I still believe its important to practice financial responsibility. Perhaps that money is better directed at our own existing players.
4. Two time substance abuse violator
5. Holdout - I continue to be concerned about his decision to holdout this season, and his late season snipes at the Steelers.
Incidentally, here's a four part series of articles from Behind the Steel Curtain which attempt to address many of these issues (among several others), and you can judge for yourself whether the arguments are convincing:
Part 1
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...umors-steelers
Part 2
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...nchise-tag-nfl
Part 3
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...-franchise-tag
Part 4
https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...nfl-free-agent
I will say its kind of funny to read the author's comment (written in April) regarding Bell's then-recent threat to sit out the season and not sign the franchise tag - "Come on folks, who actually believed this frustrated bluster? Bell’s not missing out on $900,000 per game, let alone $14.5 million for the entire season." |
The only convincing argument there is 4, and that could be mitigated with a clause in the contract. The Steelers would be better with Bell and they know it, otherwise they wouldn't be considering transition tagging him. So would the Colts. Remember, the upgrade by adding Bell isn't just Bell vs. Mack as #1, it's Mack vs. Hines/Wilkins as #2, plus all the creative things this offense could do putting Bell and Hines, Bell and Mack, or all 3 on the field at the same time. Plus if you want an upgrade at receiver, Bell is your best bet on the 2019 free agent market.