Changed my thoughts about the Bell contract

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I think that he might get better by the end of the year.

My point was that it was unfortunate that he got hurt because it probably diverts his focus from "improving at pass blocking" to "being able to run again". It seems to me that it would stunt his improvement in pass blocking.

Maybe, but if he was smart he spent much of his rehab down time watching film and learning from his coaches what they want him to do. Some players can improve during injury because they observe the game from above instead of seeing it straight on from the sidelines.

[Northern_Blitz]

Maybe, but if he was smart he spent much of his rehab down time watching film and learning from his coaches what they want him to do. Some players can improve during injury because they observe the game from above instead of seeing it straight on from the sidelines.

I hope you're right. I would be nice if we were more comfortable putting him on the field because it looks like he can run.

[Ernie]

I hope you're right. I would be nice if we were more comfortable putting him on the field because it looks like he can run.

I feel confident that he'll be better in pass protection this year. He's a smart kid and has a great attitude... wants to do whatever he can to contribute and help the team win. Look for marked improved in that area this summer.

[Steelerphile]

The Steelers should prepare for a season without Bell. I think he is being unreasonable with his demands and showing no inclination to compromise. He is acting as though the world revolves around Bell and so far, the Steelers are allowing him to do it. He is a very good back, but there are other good backs.

Bell's last season doesn't cry out that the team should bow down and pay him 17M. He averaged 4.0 a carry, gained 1291 yards on 321 carries. That is down .9 yards per carry from 2016 when he gained 4.9 a carry and gained 1268 on 261 carries.

That is also a far cry from some of the historic seasons by running backs such as Walter Payton in 1977 gained 1852 an average 5.5, Barry Sanders in 1994 gained 1883 and averaged 5.7, Ladanian Tomlinson in 2006 gained 1815 and ave 5.2, Eric Dickerson in 1984 gained 2105 and aver 5.6. You could see this coming, Bell is full of himself and blinded by his celebrity. Being paid is of utmost importance, not being on a winning team. Missing OTAs doesn't matter much for a veteran like him, but missing training camp is significant especially when he did not start the season well.

Since he plans on missing training camp again unless they pay him 17m, which they shouldn't, he apparently hasn't thought much about that.

Even though Conner is still basically unproven, I like him a lot and is a good building block. They drafted Samuels and have a few other guys in camp. I think they should be looking ahead and try to move Bell before the season, and perhaps add another back. The Steelers existed and thrived before Bell and can do so after Bell.

[feltdizz]

The Steelers should prepare for a season without Bell. I think he is being unreasonable with his demands and showing no inclination to compromise. He is acting as though the world revolves around Bell and so far, the Steelers are allowing him to do it. He is a very good back, but there are other good backs.

Bell's last season doesn't cry out that the team should bow down and pay him 17M. He averaged 4.0 a carry, gained 1291 yards on 321 carries. That is down .9 yards per carry from 2016 when he gained 4.9 a carry and gained 1268 on 261 carries.

That is also a far cry from some of the historic seasons by running backs such as Walter Payton in 1977 gained 1852 an average 5.5, Barry Sanders in 1994 gained 1883 and averaged 5.7, Ladanian Tomlinson in 2006 gained 1815 and ave 5.2, Eric Dickerson in 1984 gained 2105 and aver 5.6. You could see this coming, Bell is full of himself and blinded by his celebrity. Being paid is of utmost importance, not being on a winning team. Missing OTAs doesn't matter much for a veteran like him, but missing training camp is significant especially when he did not start the season well.

Since he plans on missing training camp again unless they pay him 17m, which they shouldn't, he apparently hasn't thought much about that.

Even though Conner is still basically unproven, I like him a lot and is a good building block. They drafted Samuels and have a few other guys in camp. I think they should be looking ahead and try to move Bell before the season, and perhaps add another back. The Steelers existed and thrived before Bell and can do so after Bell.

Did we really thrive on offense before Bell? We were more of an all or nothing offense with BA and Wallace.

We need a #1 defense that is stout vs the run and stingy against the pass to thrive.

Most think this is impossible with Bell on the books because we can't get expensive FA's on D who can bring us to greatness. However, I think our best D's were created through the draft and I'm not sure its even possible to have a stellar D in this day in age.

I think there was one punt in the SB last year.

I also don't think training camp is that big of a deal. We always start slow on offense and get it going when we need it the most. It's damn near impossible to have a potent offense for 16 games. Brady, Rodgers, etc.. have all had the "it's a long season, calm down" talk after the first 4 games.

and no, I don't think Bell is worth 17 a season. IF we offer him a long term deal it will be in the 14 per year range. If that isn't enough, then I have no problem letting him walk. Also think he is holding out because he can.. it's the only bargaining chip he has left.

[Steel Maniac]

The Steelers should prepare for a season without Bell. I think he is being unreasonable with his demands and showing no inclination to compromise. He is acting as though the world revolves around Bell and so far, the Steelers are allowing him to do it. He is a very good back, but there are other good backs.

Bell's last season doesn't cry out that the team should bow down and pay him 17M. He averaged 4.0 a carry, gained 1291 yards on 321 carries. That is down .9 yards per carry from 2016 when he gained 4.9 a carry and gained 1268 on 261 carries.

That is also a far cry from some of the historic seasons by running backs such as Walter Payton in 1977 gained 1852 an average 5.5, Barry Sanders in 1994 gained 1883 and averaged 5.7, Ladanian Tomlinson in 2006 gained 1815 and ave 5.2, Eric Dickerson in 1984 gained 2105 and aver 5.6. You could see this coming, Bell is full of himself and blinded by his celebrity. Being paid is of utmost importance, not being on a winning team. Missing OTAs doesn't matter much for a veteran like him, but missing training camp is significant especially when he did not start the season well.

Since he plans on missing training camp again unless they pay him 17m, which they shouldn't, he apparently hasn't thought much about that.

Even though Conner is still basically unproven, I like him a lot and is a good building block. They drafted Samuels and have a few other guys in camp. I think they should be looking ahead and try to move Bell before the season, and perhaps add another back. The Steelers existed and thrived before Bell and can do so after Bell.

Conner will be better at pass blocking. And Samuels will contribute as well. Our running game will be fine..like it always has been BEFORE Bell. We've been an organazation who has always gotten our running game going and we will have it going after Bell. All these people talking like we are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or something...like rarely in our history have we had a running game until Bell got here.

Our history has been to have a running game.

[Eich]

and no, I don't think Bell is worth 17 a season. IF we offer him a long term deal it will be in the 14 per year range. If that isn't enough, then I have no problem letting him walk. Also think he is holding out
because he can.. it's the only bargaining chip he has left.

Bell doesn't even know what Bell wants. It doesn't matter, he just wants more than the Steelers want to pay. And he wonders why fans think he's greedy.

"I'm at the top and if not I'm the closest, Ima need 15 a year and they know this.

I’mma need 17, cuz 26 is savage

[feltdizz]

Bell doesn't even know what Bell wants. It doesn't matter, he just wants more than the Steelers want to pay. And he wonders why fans think he's greedy.

everyone should want more than what their employer will pay them.

It's not greed tho, it's bargaining...

there is a lot of money out there and a short amount of time to get it.

[feltdizz]

Riiggghhhttttt.... so I guess that explains why Tomlin and Colbert have paid special attention to drafting "Hi Character" types in recent drafts.. lol.

we can TRY to draft high character guys but once they get fame and praise in the media we have no idea how they will respond.

Ben was a high character, God fearing dude when we drafted him. Fame came real quick and he changed overnight.

TJ Watt seems like a good guy but if he has a JJ Watt type year he could become more of a "look at me dancing" type guy.

Same with Rudolph, Washington, etc... we really have no idea how a person will handle success on the field.

[Northern_Blitz]

The Steelers should prepare for a season without Bell. I think he is being unreasonable with his demands and showing no inclination to compromise. He is acting as though the world revolves around Bell and so far, the Steelers are allowing him to do it. He is a very good back, but there are other good backs.
... Missing OTAs doesn't matter much for a veteran like him, but missing training camp is significant especially when he did not start the season well.

Since he plans on missing training camp again unless they pay him 17m, which they shouldn't, he apparently hasn't thought much about that.

Even though Conner is still basically unproven, I like him a lot and is a good building block. They drafted Samuels and have a few other guys in camp. I think they should be looking ahead and try to move Bell before the season, and perhaps add another back. The Steelers existed and thrived before Bell and can do so after Bell.

I don't think missing camp will be a big deal for Bell either. I think the "started slow" thing is a bit of a narrative. He didn't get many carries in the first few games (maybe as punishment?), but was on pace for being a top 3-5 RB in the league by the end of game 4 (basically exactly where he ended up).

That being said, I agree that the Steelers should be ready to move on from him. But, I think that basically gets rectified with a day 1 or 2 draft pick next year. High talent tirst year RBs generally do a decent job of being plugged right into an offense.

[SteelBucks]

everyone should want more than what their employer will pay them.

It's not greed tho, it's bargaining...

there is a lot of money out there and a short amount of time to get it.

It doesn’t sound like much bargaining is going on as both sides seem deadlocked over the past year. A deal might get done but it won’t happen until the eleventh hour. I’m pessimistic but who knows what’s going on at the negotiating table. Maybe they’re closer than what we think.

[Buzz]

I think they should be looking ahead and try to move Bell before the season, and perhaps add another back. The Steelers existed and thrived before Bell and can do so after Bell.

Yep. Sad to lose a player of his caliber but, at this point, he's already checked out on the team -- he's unhappy about having to be here on the franchise tag (making $14.5 million for 2018!) this year. Trade him to some bottom-feeder and at least get something out of him.

[feltdizz]

It doesn’t sound like much bargaining is going on as both sides seem deadlocked over the past year. A deal might get done but it won’t happen until the eleventh hour. I’m pessimistic but who knows what’s going on at the negotiating table. Maybe they’re closer than what we think.

even if the Steelers give him their last offer (which is rumored to be slightly more than last years offer) I think Bell should take it. However, I can't be mad at him for waiting it out and trying to see if the Steelers panic and throw a few more dollars or spread out the guaranteed money (I think this is what he really wants).

I have no idea if they are done, Bell needs to stop rapping though. Rappers always want to be ball players and ball players want to be rappers.

[feltdizz]

Yep. Sad to lose a player of his caliber but, at this point, he's already checked out on the team -- he's unhappy about having to be here on the franchise tag (making $14.5 million for 2018!) this year. Trade him to some bottom-feeder and at least get something out of him.

checked out on the team?

huh?

unless he sits out games I can't see that being true.

[Eich]

everyone should want more than what their employer will pay them.

It's not greed tho, it's bargaining...

there is a lot of money out there and a short amount of time to get it.

At some point, enough is enough and it becomes more about greed and less about bargaining. Why didn't AB "bargain" has hard as Bell is? Ben? Tom Brady. Peyton Manning. Other guys, at the top of their game. Why does Bell have to rap one year about "needing" $15M, then the next year, $17M? Even his own agent apparently wanted him to sign last year.

If he wants to "bargin" in this way, it's his right. But he shouldn't get all upset when fans aren't thrilled with the tactics.