Le’Veon Bell Looking To Sign With Colts?

Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, citing a source familiar with RB Le’Veon Bell‘s plans, reports that he “has his eyes on” signing with the Colts next year.

“He has his eyes on the Colts, no doubt about that,” Vacchiano’s source said. “He sees Luck and that offense and all that cap room and they’re much closer than the Jets. He wants to go someplace he can win right away.”

However, Vacchiano’s source added that Bell hasn’t ruled out signing with the Jets or any team that pursues him. But the Colts, who have plenty of cap room to work with, QB Andrew Luck and are better positioned to win right away, appear to be at the “top of his list.”

Last month, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Bell will be seeking more than $17M per year and $45 million guaranteed as part of a long-term, which could come out to a five-year, $85 million.

Rapoport says Bell will have a “legit market” that could include teams such as the Jets, 49ers, Lions and Texans.

According to Rapoport, the Steelers are expected to use their transition tag on Bell, which will give them the opportunity to match any offer he receives from another team in free agency next year.

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.