According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Steelers remain “very open” to trading RB Le’Veon Bell before Tuesday’s deadline, despite recent reports tot he contrary.
Last week, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that he “expects” Bell to be on their roster, but La Canfora explains that this wasn’t a reflection of any change related to Bell’s trade availability and was instead more of a reflection of the lack of interest in him up to that point.
La Canfora says that Rooney has given the Steelers’ front office permission to trade Bell. Sources have told La Canfora that Pittsburgh is hopeful of trading Bell and securing a third-round pick or better for him.
Bell is expected to rejoin the Steelers after the trade deadline, assuming he isn’t trade in the coming days. A deal involving Bell would require him to sign his franchise tender, so he holds a lot of leverage in the situation.
Bell, 26, is a former second-round pick of the Steelers back in 2013. He played out the final year of his four-year, $4,120,600 rookie contract that included a $1,376,800 signing bonus and was in position to be one of the best players in the free agent market when he was franchised.
The Steelers used the franchise tag on Bell again this offseason, which means he stands to make $14.5 million fully guaranteed for the 2018 season before testing the open market as an unrestricted free agent next year.
In 2017, Bell has appeared in 15 games for the Steelers and rushed for 1, 291yards on 321 carries (4 YPC) to go along with 85 receptions for 655 yards receiving and 11 total touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 9 running back out of 58 qualifying players.
We have him featured in our Top 25 – 2019 NFL Free Agents list.
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