The Steelers are apparently ready to divorce Le'Veon Bell rather than be held hostage for two more months or allow him to walk away next March for nothing. Pittsburgh is prepared to deal its absent all-pro tailback, per ESPN, despite its 0-1-1 start.
But this isn't as simple as merely finding a willing dance partner.
Bell, who has yet to sign his $14.54 million franchise tag (he's already forfeited more than $2.5 million worth of game checks by failing to report) isn't eligible to sign a long-term contract until after the season, so his situation is not similar, for example, to Khalil Mack's. Likewise, the Steelers are in no position to command high draft picks in exchange for Bell given there'd be little assurance he'd be nothing but a rental.
Though Bell could re-up early in 2019 with a team that might acquire, it's obvious he wants to assess his worth on the open market. It's also clear he's not looking to put too many miles on the odometer, hoping to preserve his value, which makes exporting him even more problematic for Pittsburgh.
Bell must sign his tag tender by Nov. 13, the Tuesday following Week 10, to accrue a season toward free agency, so that essentially becomes his reporting deadline.
Given those parameters — and assuming the Todd Gurleys and Alvin Kamaras of the world don't suffer major injuries to alter the calculus — are there any feasible suitors for Bell?
These may be a few:
Jets: Projected to have more than $100 million in the 2019 free agent war chest, it seems likely they'll at least wade into the Bell Sweepstakes at some level. The Jets are the lone team of the four in the New York/Los Angeles markets that could use a bellcow back, and playing in that kind of media center will surely have appeal for an aspiring rap artist like Bell. Jets GM Mike Maccagnan isn't afraid of spending or making a big trade and might just appreciate having that exclusive negotiating window with Bell following the season … depending on the bounty it would cost to bring him in, of course.
Patriots: A team that locks to stockpile draft picks also knows how to bundle them for speculative fliers on talents like Josh Gordon … and maybe Bell? The Steelers would have to swallow hard before bargaining with the AFC's pre-eminent power, a move that would likely cause civic backlash in Pittsburgh. But New England might be the team willing to pay the most given its resources and Tom Brady's narrowing window, not to mention the fact that a stagnant offense is in dire need of a catalyst in both the running and passing games. One significant impediment: The Pats would have to create significant cap space to absorb the remainder of Bell's tag, though that's depreciating weekly.
Dolphins: Noticing an AFC East theme? Miami (3-0) is alone in first place but only got 15 combined rushing yards from Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore on Sunday. Bell is a far more versatile weapon than, say, departed Jarvis Landry ever was, yet could replicate his presence from the slot with Gore and Drake around to handle more of the inside runs. One thing's for sure: Bell loves South Florida and might just want to stick around long term.
Colts: Similar to the Jets, they've got nine-figure cap space in 2019 and could benefit by having extra time next winter to try to lock Bell down before the market opens. More immediately, Indy has a limited offense and, evidently, a quarterback who can't throw very far. Bell might be a real help in this area given the Colts defense might keep them around in what's shaping up as a potentially tight AFC South race.
Eagles: Basically the NFC version of the Patriots — little cap space but in serious need of help at the offensive skill positions. But GM Howie Roseman isn't afraid to gamble and has plenty of equity to make this kind of move for a team that's probably going to start losing some key contributors in 2019.
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