In the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, the lingering talk around the Pittsburgh Steelers has focused on the future of star running back Le'Veon Bell, who has remained away from the team through the first eight weeks of the season.
Although Bell has yet to sign his franchise tender and report to the team, the trade deadline passing has cemented that he will only be able to play with the Steelers this season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Not that there was much doubt, but Steelers' RB Le'Veon Bell won't be traded, because he can't be traded, because he still hasn't reported to the Steelers' and signed his franchise tender as of 1 pm. Without signing by 4 pm today, he can't be dealt. So no Bell trade this season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2018
Four o’clock came and went and still no sign of Le’Veon Bell. So it’s now official. He cannot and will not be traded this season. Can only play for Steelers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2018
This had come to be expected especially there being much uncertainty in terms of what teams would be willing to offer him given what his commitment would be playing this season and beyond that. Bell is aiming to hit the free agent market next March where he is hoping to garner a lucrative contract in the free agent market. This along with the Steelers possibly maintaining a high asking price likely led any interested franchise to be wary of making a significant offer for the 26-year-old.
What this now shifts the attention over to when he will report to the team this season as it had been reported that he would be back after the NFL trade deadline. It has now reached a point where there is no clarity about when he will end his holdout as it has reached a point where he has surpassed each of the previously expected deadlines.
Once Bell makes his return to the team this season, it could provide an intriguing dynamic in the backfield with second-year running back James Conner performing at a high level this season. Conner is currently third in the NFL with 599 rushing yards and nine touchdowns along with 31 receptions for 323 receiving yards. This includes recording four 100 rushing yard performances while has notched a pair of rushing touchdowns in each outing.
Follow Us
Subscribe