NFL Notes: Le’Veon Bell, Giants & Steelers

Le’Veon Bell

• Jeremy Fowler of ESPN guesses that Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell will end up coming in between $8 million – $14 million in his next contract.
• This would leave him between Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy in terms of annual salary.

Giants

Eli Manning said he believes Giants backup Ryan Nassib can be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

“I think Ryan’s done a great job. He’s a hard worker, he’s smart,” Manning told James Kratch of NJ.com. “Just from watching him and how he prepares, how he makes plays in practice, his football mind and ability, there’s no reason he can’t be a starter.

“He’s very bright and throws the ball well,” Manning added. “I’ve been impressed with his progress.”

Texans

Texans LBs coach Mike Vrabel said that they’re setting the bar high for Brian Cushing in 2016.

“Yeah his attitude, his energy his love for the game,” said Vrabel, via the Houston Chronicle. “He knows we expect his leadership, his physicalness, and his relentless to the ball. That’s what he expects from himself.”

Cushing says that he still has a lot left to offer in his NFL career.

“There’s a lot of ball left for me, both physically and mentally,” Cushing said. “When you get to this part of your career, you only get better or you get worse. I’m just trying to get better every day. I think I’ve trained hard in the offseason but at the same time, the further I get away from my injuries, the better I’m going to get.

“I’m going to continue to heal and get back to where I was, not worrying about rehab or injuries or trying to figure out what’s wrong with my body. But instead, training like I was able to, training like I’m used to and continuing to build momentum. Get to where I need to be again and if I can, I think I can help this team greatly.”