Anyone still think...

[Oviedo]

Bell isn't worth what he is getting paid. Not sure there has been a more complete RB ever to play the game.

[Shoe]

Bell isn't worth what he is getting paid. Not sure there has been a more complete RB ever to play the game.

I don't think anyone disputed his current pay, which is in the ballpark what he was asking over multiple years. AFAIK, he's making $12m, which happens to be (I'm guessing) $3m more than the 2nd best RB? So he's far and away the highest-paid RB.

What we were disputing, and still would dispute, is pushing that number up to $15m.

[Starlifter]

There's no doubt he should be the highest paid RB in the game. I think the Steelers were prepared to make him that - but the sticking point was how much was guaranteed. That's what they need to hash out. I understand both sides of this. he wants guaranteed money (who doesn't?) and the steelers don't want to expose themselves to another season he doesn't finish, or perhaps even worse.

I don't know what the cap situation is next year, but they have been pretty masterful at managing it. I'm just not sure how you keep a HOF QB, the best WR in the game, the best RB in the game etc without blowing through the cap.

[RuthlessBurgher]

The question was how we would be able to pay Bell and also extend Shazier as well. Sadly, that question may have been answered.

[feltdizz]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I fail to see why fans don't want to pay Bell a few more dollars given how valuable he is to this offense.

If Ben retires in the next year or 2 do we really want the next QB playing without a RB this dynamic? The cap is going to go up as well. It really makes no sense not to pay him.

[Eich]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I fail to see why fans don't want to pay Bell a few more dollars given how valuable he is to this offense.

If Ben retires in the next year or 2 do we really want the next QB playing without a RB this dynamic? The cap is going to go up as well. It really makes no sense not to pay him.

I think many fans want to see Bell finish a full season and be there when he's needed most. In the playoffs.

I also think AB is as valuable to the offense as Bell is. Maybe more.

And if Ben retires in 2 years and Bell is still around, how much tread is realistically going to be left on his tires for the next QB?

But it's not just fans. The front office doesn't want to pay him what he's asking either.

[feltdizz]

I think many fans want to see Bell finish a full season and be there when he's needed most. In the playoffs.

I also think AB is as valuable to the offense as Bell is. Maybe more.

And if Ben retires in 2 years and Bell is still around, how much tread is realistically going to be left on his tires for the next QB?

well AB is paid handsomely, like 16 mill a year.

and 2 years ago we didn't have AB when we needed him most. It happens, it's football. I just think it's odd to hear people make excuses while watching Bell run and catch all over this league the last few years.

and the same thing that frustrates us about Bell's injuries is the reason I think he will be around for a while. He doesn't have as much tread year after year. even though he has a ton of carries.

[Eich]

well AB is paid handsomely, like 16 mill a year.

Paying LB handsomely is fine. But he's not happy with handsomely. He wants to set the bar for the RB position. He wants to be paid like a RB+WR. I don't see the need to drop near QB money on him.

[Oviedo]

I was very much against paying Bell and just tagging him for two years, but if I'm honest the guy has made me a believer. I'm not sure that you can just consider him a RB. I've been watching the NFL since 1970 and I can't recall another back who can do all the things he does as well as he does. He runs, he catches and he blocks. What has impressed me this year is how he is running over people with power

[feltdizz]

Paying LB handsomely is fine. But he's not happy with handsomely. He wants to set the bar for the RB position. He wants to be paid like a RB+WR. I don't see the need to drop near QB money on him.

he should set the bar for the RB position. When is the last time you seen a RB do what Bell does in the running game, passing game AND protecting Ben in the pocket?

This isn’t normal. What we are witnessing is something special. I don’t want to lose that over a few dollars. I think it’s the garaunteed money being spread out to protect himself later in his career.

Also so remember our next QB won’t be making QB money until Bell is past his prime.

[Shoe]

well AB is paid handsomely, like 16 mill a year.

If that is the case, even more so I would refrain from paying Bell any more than he's already been offered--which again, makes him the highest paid RB in the league! Think about Flacco and his massive contract. Think Wilson and his massive deal in SEA. You can also add Stafford to the mix. The reality is that when you put all that dough into one guy, it really makes your organization fragile. Add to it that now, Bell has entered James Wilder range for this year, with comparable stats (i.e. a low yards per attempt).

[Slapstick]

I think it’s the garaunteed money being spread out to protect himself later in his career.

It is this. Bell wants to protect himself while the organization wants to protect itself...

[feltdizz]

If that is the case, even more so I would refrain from paying Bell any more than he's already been offered--which again, makes him the highest paid RB in the league! Think about Flacco and his massive contract. Think Wilson and his massive deal in SEA. You can also add Stafford to the mix. The reality is that when you put all that dough into one guy, it really makes your organization fragile. Add to it that now, Bell has entered James Wilder range for this year, with comparable stats (i.e. a low yards per attempt).

Bell isnt a QB. Ben is coming off the books soon. JuJu is on a rookie deal. Watt is on a rookie deal. Tuitt just got paid. Shazier unfortunately isn’t available to extend. AB was signed for pennies on the dollar.

Seriously, why do you guys keep using QB money to justify not paying Bell a few more dollars?

The James Wilder comparison doesn’t make sense either. How many passing yards did Wilder have that year?

Bell is is way too dynamic to use some dusty old RB from the 80’s as an example. The training, sports medicine and off season training is light years ahead of the 80’s and 90’s.

and let’s remember it was more than Flacco’s money that set them back. Rat fans have been calling out Ozzie for some bad drafts.

The draft is why we can pay Bell. We are one of the best teams in the NFL when it comes to the draft. We won’t have the same problems as other teams because our scouts are monsters at finding talent.

[RuthlessBurgher]

Le’Veon Bell named AFC offensive player of the month

Posted by Darin Gantt on January 4, 2018, 11:32 AM EST

For the second year in a row, Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was named AFC offensive player of the month for December.

Bell earned the award this year for an impressive stretch of four games, which saw him carry 69 times for 310 yards and four touchdowns, along with adding 24 receptions for 259 yards and two touchdowns.

He didn’t play last week against the Browns, resting up for the postseason.

Now they just have to keep him healthy through the playoffs, unlike last year.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/04/leveon-bell-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-month/

[Oviedo]

Le’Veon Bell named AFC offensive player of the month

Posted by Darin Gantt on January 4, 2018, 11:32 AM EST

For the second year in a row, Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell was named AFC offensive player of the month for December.

Bell earned the award this year for an impressive stretch of four games, which saw him carry 69 times for 310 yards and four touchdowns, along with adding 24 receptions for 259 yards and two touchdowns.

He didn’t play last week against the Browns, resting up for the postseason.

Now they just have to keep him healthy through the playoffs, unlike last year.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/04/leveon-bell-named-afc-offensive-player-of-the-month/

He is special and I hope we can work out a deal