Lev Bell

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Watching the Super Bowl, and the playoffs I am more convinced of one thing. Lev Bell is NOT worth the money. Not at least to the Steelers. The Pats and Eagles both prove when you have a QB centric offense and a good OL, you don't need a superstar at RB. That you can take a bit less of a performance and a RB by committee approach, throwing $5 million at the position instead of $15 million to one guy, one guy who is a boneheaded act again away from suspension, or an injury.

I would try and work out a trade with someone. The Steelers need to start getting more creative with how they construct their roster. Work out a trade with someone for Bell. Maybe get a 1st, or two 2nd rd picks. Use some of that money in FA to go out and get a Safety or ILB.

But back to Bell. A team like the Steelers, Bell is not affordable and not a smart investment. You have built this offense around a QB and a great WR corp. You have spent alot of money and resources into your OL. I am confident that a RB group of say Dion Lewis and James Conner could get it done. Not as well as Bell, but you can improve other positions without Bell.

 

[prez41]

Bell and Brown are both a waste of money is a salary cap league.

 

[Delpanther]

Well one thing is clear to me and that is the Steelers need a short yardage runner like Blount(too bad Dumlin couldn't get along with him) or Ajayi. The Steelers run game in short yardage situations is very poor. Also was very impressed with the Eagles' OL...Steelers' plow horses pale in comparison.

 

[Swervin27]

Bell is really really good and he is not worth the money. It’s weird but it’s not one or the other.

I’m at the point now where I don’t really even want to franchise him. I’m more interested in signing Hubbard, that should be our #1 priority in FA.

 

[Delpanther]

Bell is really really good and he is not worth the money. It’s weird but it’s not one or the other.

I’m at the point now where I don’t really even want to franchise him. I’m more interested in signing Hubbard, that should be our #1 priority in FA.

Problem is that Bell has no backup.....sorry, James. Still need a starting caliber RB.

 

[JD1976]

Watching the Super Bowl, and the playoffs I am more convinced of one thing. Lev Bell is NOT worth the money. Not at least to the Steelers. The Pats and Eagles both prove when you have a QB centric offense and a good OL, you don't need a superstar at RB. That you can take a bit less of a performance and a RB by committee approach, throwing $5 million at the position instead of $15 million to one guy, one guy who is a boneheaded act again away from suspension, or an injury.

I would try and work out a trade with someone. The Steelers need to start getting more creative with how they construct their roster. Work out a trade with someone for Bell. Maybe get a 1st, or two 2nd rd picks. Use some of that money in FA to go out and get a Safety or ILB.

But back to Bell. A team like the Steelers, Bell is not affordable and not a smart investment. You have built this offense around a QB and a great WR corp. You have spent alot of money and resources into your OL. I am confident that a RB group of say Dion Lewis and James Conner could get it done. Not as well as Bell, but you can improve other positions without Bell.

I can’t disagree, especially with the durability concerns about RBs in today’s NFL, but because the Steelers tend to shy away from spending in free agency and do generally draft well, I think they will be able to sign him for big money and still be able to re-tool the defense through the draft.

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

I would try and work out a trade with someone. The Steelers need to start getting more creative with how they construct their roster. Work out a trade with someone for Bell. Maybe get a 1st, or two 2nd rd picks. Use some of that money in FA to go out and get a Safety or ILB.

That would be great, but nobody is going to give you that for Bell. Your only option is franchise tag him and then trade him. A malcontent RB with drug use and suspension issues who is under a huge 1 year contract.

 

[KennyTheKangaroo]

Problem is that Bell has no backup.....sorry, James. Still need a starting caliber RB.

The whole point in this thread is that you can find a starting running back or at least a running back by committee with late round picks and undrafted guys and guys off the scrap heap.

6 running backs had carries in the super bowl. The highest any of those guys were drafted was the 4th round.

 

[Delpanther]

The whole point in this thread is that you can find a starting running back or at least a running back by committee with late round picks and undrafted guys and guys off the scrap heap.

6 running backs had carries in the super bowl. The highest any of those guys were drafted was the 4th round.

You say that...but look at how the Steelers running game struggled when Bell was injured/suspended. Touissant and his ilk don't cut it unless you have a terrific OL and I'm sorry I don't think the Steelers OL is a good run blocking line.

 

[WiseAndGlorious]

There are a number of good backs in this draft. Beyond Barkley and Guice, there are the two from UGA, Kerryon Johnson from Auburn and the kid from SD State that tore it up at the Senior Bowl. Those might all go higher than the Steelers want to pick them, but someone quality will drop.

I can see them bringing Bell back because they have a window to win now. But with the load that they give him and the injuries that he and JC have had, they should be looking to add another back.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Bell and Brown are both a waste of money is a salary cap league.

Brown? Are you kidding me?

 

[jtownknowitall]

LeVeon Bell had over 49% of Pittsburgh's offensive touches in 2017.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

You say that...but look at how the Steelers running game struggled when Bell was injured/suspended. Touissant and his ilk don't cut it unless you have a terrific OL and I'm sorry I don't think the Steelers OL is a good run blocking line.

Yeah but there is a difference between Touissant and a Deon Lewis. Or a Degarrette Blount. Or a Ajayi. Look at the Steelers when they had DeAngelo Williams, he did pretty damn good.

 

[gbgpanther]

LeVeon Bell had over 49% of Pittsburgh's offensive touches in 2017.

Conner will be ok once they trust him to do pass blocking

 

[Swervin27]

Conner will be ok once they trust him to do pass blocking

I love JC but he’s not a starting nfl back. Def think he should be used more than he was last year though.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

I love JC but he’s not a starting nfl back. Def think he should be used more than he was last year though.

But again, did either of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl have a "starting" nfl back? They had role players.

 

[Swervin27]

But again, did either of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl have a "starting" nfl back? They had role players.

Well now that Ben Roethlisberger is our OC, maybe we don’t need a rb that gets 35 carries in oct but 12 in January.

 

[andypappas]

While I am coming to the "running back by committee" idea, I find it funny that people keep bringing up the "Trade Bell"

The guy is scheduled to become a UFA. If the Steelers franchise him then which team would be dumb enough to, not only pay Bell 15 mil but also give away draft picks or players? If the Steelers walk away they will use the money to improve the roster, but there may not be any higher impact defensive players available to sign. The inside linebacker market is not strong this year

 

[Swervin27]

While I am coming to the "running back by committee" idea, I find it funny that people keep bringing up the "Trade Bell"

The guy is scheduled to become a UFA. If the Steelers franchise him then which team would be dumb enough to, not only pay Bell 15 mil but also give away draft picks or players? If the Steelers walk away they will use the money to improve the roster, but there may not be any higher impact defensive players available to sign. The inside linebacker market is not strong this year

Maybe we do a sign and trade?

 

[Gunga_Galunga]

There are a number of good backs in this draft. Beyond Barkley and Guice, there are the two from UGA, Kerryon Johnson from Auburn and the kid from SD State that tore it up at the Senior Bowl. Those might all go higher than the Steelers want to pick them, but someone quality will drop.

I can see them bringing Bell back because they have a window to win now. But with the load that they give him and the injuries that he and JC have had, they should be looking to add another back.

Draft class at RB is deep. They can get a good back in the 3rd or 4th round. Southern Miss has a nice back (Ito Smith), Northwestern's Jackson not spoken about much.

 

[pittdan77]

The Steelers have no rights to Bell. Just first crack at signing him which they probably won't do unless it's for a hometown discount. Another tag is more likely.

I honestly don't know where the Steelers heads are at with personnel. It's pretty obvious that things are a little upside down. I'm guessing when I say that the Steelers will be a pass heavy offense for a few years and that Bell will see this coming.

 

[SempleFest06]

LeVeon Bell had over 49% of Pittsburgh's offensive touches in 2017.

He is still a great back but all those touches are already starting to wear on him. Last year was the first season he finished the year not injured. His yards per carry went down almost a full yard from the previous 2 seasons. Historically after 400 touch seasons RBs fall off a cliff, regardless of age and he had 406 last year. I would definitely not give him the multi-year contract he desires, and would lean towards not even franchising him as a I feel he is due for a sharp decline next season.

 

[Delpanther]

Yeah but there is a difference between Touissant and a Deon Lewis. Or a Degarrette Blount. Or a Ajayi. Look at the Steelers when they had DeAngelo Williams, he did pretty damn good.

True....but first you have to find them and sign them..the Steelers don't play play well in free agency which is why they have had the same holes in a number of positions for several consecutive years. They are very inflexible in their approach. DeAngelo Williams was just ok. The other point is and you probably won't want to hear this, and that is we don't have a QB who plays well consistently w/o a strong running game....too mistake prone.

 

[prez41]

Brown? Are you kidding me?

Not at all. I believe it is a $17 million cap hit for a dude that touches the ball 8 times a game on average. New England's cap hit was less than $20 million for their entire group.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/cap/

 

[Sean Miller Fan]

Watching the Super Bowl, and the playoffs I am more convinced of one thing. Lev Bell is NOT worth the money. Not at least to the Steelers. The Pats and Eagles both prove when you have a QB centric offense and a good OL, you don't need a superstar at RB. That you can take a bit less of a performance and a RB by committee approach, throwing $5 million at the position instead of $15 million to one guy, one guy who is a boneheaded act again away from suspension, or an injury.

I would try and work out a trade with someone. The Steelers need to start getting more creative with how they construct their roster. Work out a trade with someone for Bell. Maybe get a 1st, or two 2nd rd picks. Use some of that money in FA to go out and get a Safety or ILB.

But back to Bell. A team like the Steelers, Bell is not affordable and not a smart investment. You have built this offense around a QB and a great WR corp. You have spent alot of money and resources into your OL. I am confident that a RB group of say Dion Lewis and James Conner could get it done. Not as well as Bell, but you can improve other positions without Bell.

RB is the most overrated position in all of sports. You just need a good line and an average RB. Sure, it would be great to have a great RB but its not necessary

 

[jtownknowitall]

Conner will be ok once they trust him to do pass blocking

Conner first needs to show he has recovered from his latest injury and can still be an NFL caliber RB. He doesn't play special teams. Can he be 49% of an NFL team's offense is not the question. Whether he has much of an NFL future is.

 

[SempleFest06]

Not at all. I believe it is a $17 million cap hit for a dude that touches the ball 8 times a game on average. New England's cap hit was less than $20 million for their entire group.

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/cap/

This is one of the worst takes in the history of hot takes. Antonio Brown is a historically great WR on a fair contract. You also ignored Gronkowski/Bennett who combined to make 17 million this year. Mind numbingly stupid.

 

[prez41]

This is one of the worst takes in the history of hot takes. Antonio Brown is a historically great WR on a fair contract. You also ignored Gronkowski/Bennett who combined to make 17 million this year. Mind numbingly stupid.

99% of the stuff posted on this site is stupid.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

While I am coming to the "running back by committee" idea, I find it funny that people keep bringing up the "Trade Bell"

The guy is scheduled to become a UFA. If the Steelers franchise him then which team would be dumb enough to, not only pay Bell 15 mil but also give away draft picks or players? If the Steelers walk away they will use the money to improve the roster, but there may not be any higher impact defensive players available to sign. The inside linebacker market is not strong this year

This league, the league of franchises like the Browns, Bengals, Raiders, Redskins, Jets, all are capable of making a really dumb move. Never underestimate.

 

[WiseAndGlorious]

Draft class at RB is deep. They can get a good back in the 3rd or 4th round. Southern Miss has a nice back (Ito Smith), Northwestern's Jackson not spoken about much.

Yeah, a guy like Justin Jackson will be there. The kid from Arizona State is another one that looked good in the Senior Bowl. Hines, the back from NC State that tore Pitt up declared and could be a good late round guy. Or Jaylen Samuels, who they used as a RB, FB, HB would be an intriguing pick for his versatility.

 

[cruzer]

The Steelers would be wise to use the money they can save on Bell to improve their defense (which needs a lot of work, particularly with Shazier unlikely to return). It's all about priorities.

Cruzer

 

[CJsE]

But again, did either of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl have a "starting" nfl back? They had role players.

Ajayi is only on his 3rd season in the NFL and rushed for almost 1,300 yards at 4.9 ypc last year. He is absolutely a "starting" NFL back.

 

[wbrpanther]

While I am coming to the "running back by committee" idea, I find it funny that people keep bringing up the "Trade Bell"

The guy is scheduled to become a UFA. If the Steelers franchise him then which team would be dumb enough to, not only pay Bell 15 mil but also give away draft picks or players? If the Steelers walk away they will use the money to improve the roster, but there may not be any higher impact defensive players available to sign. The inside linebacker market is not strong this year

If the Steelers decide to walk away from Bell, which in my opinion would not be a stupid move, they could use that 14 million in extra cap space to shore up more than one position. I would also part ways with Mike Mitchell which would free up between 3 and 5 million and use that 17 to 19 million on signing the best safety on the market and also try and get the best nose tackle on the market and a good solid rb.. These don't have to be pro bowl type players. Just good solid above average players. Then draft your inside lb in the draft. Bell had a chance to sign what would have been far and away the best RB contract in history last year. IMO that ship should now have sailed.

 

[wbrpanther]

The Steelers would be wise to use the money they can save on Bell to improve their defense (which needs a lot of work, particularly with Shazier unlikely to return). It's all about priorities.

Cruzer

Speaking of Shazier, I saw the report out yesterday that he has regained use of his legs and is improving. very happy for him even if he never dons another uniform.

 

[Jeffburgh]

The four years prior to the Steelers drafting Bell, their leading rushers were:

2012 - Dwyer 623 & Redman 410
2011 - Mendenhall 928 & Redman 479
2010 - Mendenhall 1273 & Redman 247
2009 - Mendenhall 1108 & FWP 389

The Steelers have NOT been able to just pick up anyone and have them be good RBs. They really scraped around post Bus in his prime, FWP was a decent home run threat for a few years, Mendenhall was slightly above average RB for a year or two.

YES, the money is likely prohibitive. But, next to Ben, Bell is the one player who has the biggest impact on Ws and Ls for this team - you take him off the team this past season, they probably lose 2 or 3 more games.

Now, maybe the new OC can make it work better, but this is not a good run blocking OL, there is a reason Bell was joystick nearly every time he touched the ball.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

The four years prior to the Steelers drafting Bell, their leading rushers were:

2012 - Dwyer 623 & Redman 410
2011 - Mendenhall 928 & Redman 479
2010 - Mendenhall 1273 & Redman 247
2009 - Mendenhall 1108 & FWP 389

The Steelers have NOT been able to just pick up anyone and have them be good RBs. They really scraped around post Bus in his prime, FWP was a decent home run threat for a few years, Mendenhall was slightly above average RB for a year or two.

YES, the money is likely prohibitive. But, next to Ben, Bell is the one player who has the biggest impact on Ws and Ls for this team - you take him off the team this past season, they probably lose 2 or 3 more games.

Now, maybe the new OC can make it work better, but this is not a good run blocking OL, there is a reason Bell was joystick nearly every time he touched the ball.

We won a Super Bowl with Willie Parker as the prime RB. We won the Super Bowl with Parker and Mewelde Moore as the RB's. We made a Super Bowl with Rashard Mendenhall as a RB, we made a Super Bowl with Bam Morris and Eric Pegram as the main backs. You don't need a superstar RB to win. We have won, and we have never made the Super Bowl with him.

Remember kids, don't confuse Fantasy Football with Real Football.

 

[wbrpanther]

The four years prior to the Steelers drafting Bell, their leading rushers were:

2012 - Dwyer 623 & Redman 410
2011 - Mendenhall 928 & Redman 479
2010 - Mendenhall 1273 & Redman 247
2009 - Mendenhall 1108 & FWP 389

The Steelers have NOT been able to just pick up anyone and have them be good RBs. They really scraped around post Bus in his prime, FWP was a decent home run threat for a few years, Mendenhall was slightly above average RB for a year or two.

YES, the money is likely prohibitive. But, next to Ben, Bell is the one player who has the biggest impact on Ws and Ls for this team - you take him off the team this past season, they probably lose 2 or 3 more games.

Now, maybe the new OC can make it work better, but this is not a good run blocking OL, there is a reason Bell was joystick nearly every time he touched the ball.

So would you franchise him for a year then let him go after a year? Trade him after signing him? Or give 60 mill over 4 years to a RB entering his 5th year in the league when you could use that cap space to shore up other areas of the roster? There are legit arguments both ways.

 

[SempleFest06]

The four years prior to the Steelers drafting Bell, their leading rushers were:

2012 - Dwyer 623 & Redman 410
2011 - Mendenhall 928 & Redman 479
2010 - Mendenhall 1273 & Redman 247
2009 - Mendenhall 1108 & FWP 389

The Steelers have NOT been able to just pick up anyone and have them be good RBs. They really scraped around post Bus in his prime, FWP was a decent home run threat for a few years, Mendenhall was slightly above average RB for a year or two.

YES, the money is likely prohibitive. But, next to Ben, Bell is the one player who has the biggest impact on Ws and Ls for this team - you take him off the team this past season, they probably lose 2 or 3 more games.

Now, maybe the new OC can make it work better, but this is not a good run blocking OL, there is a reason Bell was joystick nearly every time he touched the ball.

Bell is a great player. It is just a money issue. 15 million a year is too steep. This is a loaded RB draft. Get a Hunt or Kamara in the 3rd round and get the same production for 1/15th the price.

 

[Jeffburgh]

So would you franchise him for a year then let him go after a year? Trade him after signing him? Or give 60 mill over 4 years to a RB entering his 5th year in the league when you could use that cap space to shore up other areas of the roster? There are legit arguments both ways.

Oh, I definitely am not advocating for anything more than a two or maybe three year deal for him at most. And, again, I am not saying people are wrong about the money aspect.

Just saying, Bell covers up a LOT of warts for this team.

 

[Jeffburgh]

We won a Super Bowl with Willie Parker as the prime RB. We won the Super Bowl with Parker and Mewelde Moore as the RB's. We made a Super Bowl with Rashard Mendenhall as a RB, we made a Super Bowl with Bam Morris and Eric Pegram as the main backs. You don't need a superstar RB to win. We have won, and we have never made the Super Bowl with him.

Remember kids, don't confuse Fantasy Football with Real Football.

Cute quip, but in terms of "Real football," the teams you are referring to had the likes of Joel Steed/Casey Hampton, Aaron Smith, Kevin Green, Levon Kirkland, Greg Lloyd, Chad Brown, James Farrior, Joey Porter, James Harrison, Lamar Woodley, Carnell Lake, Troy Polomalu and Ike Taylor on defense.

Point stands.

Levon Bell covers up a LOT of warts on this team.