I’ve been researching it and I stand by my statement - Bell can’t be signed to a long term contract by anyone this year. If a team trades for him they will have no guarantee they will keep him past this year. Teams had until July 16th to reach a long term contract with franchise tagged players. After that teams can’t negotiate with them until after the last game of this season. It is true that Bell didn’t sign his tender, but that means he has no contract and can’t be traded. Only players under contract can be traded. The only contract he can sign is the franchise tender. Pittsburgh could theoretically rescind the franchise tag, but he would then become a free agent.
Bell’s talent is obvious, but he makes absolutely no sense for this Colts team. If Ballard wants him then simply sign him in the off season. The only way he won’t be a free agent is if Pittsburgh tags him again which will not happen. But the Colts don’t need to spend a high draft pick for the right to rent Bell for the remainder of the season. They aren’t in a win now mode. It would be stupid. I have confidence it isn’t in Ballard’s plans to trade for him.
|