Bell gets tagged

[FreePassCra$h]

NFLN just reported and also say the Steelers want to work out a long term deal.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Looks like it's the exclusive version as well:

Le’Veon Bell gets franchise tag from Steelers
Posted by Josh Alper on February 27, 2017, 4:08 PM EST

The Steelers weren’t expected to let running back Le’Veon Bell hit the open market when the new league year gets underway next month so it comes as no surprise that he’s the latest player to receive a franchise tag.

The Steelers have placed a franchise tag on Bell and, per multiple reports, it is the exclusive variety. That gives them until July 15 to work out a long-term contract before Bell would be left with the choice of playing out the year on the franchise tender, working out a different one-year deal or sitting out.

The franchise tender for Bell should come in at somewhere over $12.3 million. Because the Steelers went the exclusive route, Bell cannot be signed by another team even if they were willing to pony up the required two first-round picks as compensation.

Bell’s always been productive when he’s been on the field for the Steelers since they made him the 48th pick of the 2013 draft. Injuries and suspensions have kept him off the field at times over that span and those absences could create some concern on the team’s end about an extended deal.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/02/27/leveon-bell-gets-franchise-tag/

[FreePassCra$h]

I wouldn't work out a LT deal with Bell. I would tag him twice and then send him on his way. I think he's going to fade fast unless they lighten his workload.

[Real Deal Steel]

If Mixon slides late in the draft, I'd take the flyer. Gotta get some depth behind Bell.

[Rara]

I would use this tag as a prove it situation..he has to prove he can be healthier (injury wise) for more than what he currently has since he's been drafted.

[phillyesq]

I wouldn't work out a LT deal with Bell. I would tag him twice and then send him on his way. I think he's going to fade fast unless they lighten his workload.

The tag to next year jumps to $15 for him. That's an awful lot. I'd rather work out a long term deal and see the Steelers lighten his workload. I don't have any reason to believe that Tomlin / Haley will do so, but I'd really like to see his carries decreased from the unsustainable workload he had at the end of the year.

[squidkid]

i hope it is the non-exclusive tag.

sorry, didnt read the whole thing

[SteelCrazy]

They had a proven RB behind Bell, but wouldn't use him. No reason to believe they would with a drafted RB. IM with Crash, tag him twice and let him go. Michigan St ran his ass off too...He could still be worth signing after his 2nd tag, if he's not pissed.

[FreePassCra$h]

It's exclusive.

[squidkid]

It's exclusive.

..... oh joy

[Oviedo]

I wouldn't work out a LT deal with Bell. I would tag him twice and then send him on his way. I think he's going to fade fast unless they lighten his workload.

Educate me, but if you tag someone two years in a row isn't the second year like 25% increase over the first year?

[Real Deal Steel]

There are some decent runningback option later in the draft like Samaje Perine from Oklahoma or Wayne Gallman from Clemson. We need to get someone back there because Williams is 150 years old. LOL

[Flasteel]

Tag him this year and use it as a prove-it season. If he responds appropriately, then I think you have to lock him up long-term with a front-loaded contract. I don't want to see his reps shared too much because the dude is just that good. No matter who you put in there, your offense becomes more limited or you lose production. I would continue to run Bell until the proverbial wheels fall off. If a running back who can battle Williams for a roster spot falls to them in rounds 3 or later, then I would fully support drafting him to make sure Bell's insurance policy is in place.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

might have been worth dangling him with the non exclusive

2 1st rounders would be a hell of a return on investment especially given his issues

[BradshawsHairdresser]

I wouldn't work out a LT deal with Bell. I would tag him twice and then send him on his way. I think he's going to fade fast unless they lighten his workload.

That's my concern, too. So far, they haven't shown any propensity to "lighten his workload" ... they had DeAngelo Williams and still didn't reduce Bell's carries; I don't see them doing so even if they draft a stud RB.