Tuesday was a sigh of relief for the Pittsburgh Steelers, their fans, and all fantasy football aficianados. Running back Le'Veon Bell announced on social media that he will be returning to Steelers' camp on Friday, September 1. However, Bell has not signed his franchise tag and cannot resume team activities until he does so.
So like when is le'veon bell gonna show up?? @L_Bell26 #firsttimefantasyfootballer #girljusttryingtowin šš
ā vaderā¦ (@Vadarmendariz) August 23, 2017
9-1-17 š https://t.co/8Sj7MvzD79
ā Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) August 23, 2017
Bell held out of camp to get a new deal. He was unhappy with the fact that he was franchised, and for good reason; the former second-round pick outplayed his contract. He finished 2016 with 1,268 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, as well as 616 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
The Steelers are hesitant to make him the highest-paid running, probably due to his inability to stay on the field. Bell, has missed 17 games in the course of his four year career. He missed time with a foot injury his rookie year in 2013, a substantial knee injury in 2015, and heĀ missed four games in 2016 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
This is a tricky situation for two reasons: One, the running back position is so devalued these days, not many teams want to pay what Bell is worth. Two, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta FreemanĀ just signed a five-year contract extension worth $41.24 million this offseason.
This gives Bell more leverage when negotiating a new deal. What also plays into his favor is the same reason fantasy football players love him in PPR leagues (points per reception): he is a receiving threat out of the back field, serving as the second best wide receiver on the team.
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