The Oakland Raiders need to add some star power in 2019. Meanwhile, current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will be looking for a new home this offseason after sitting out all of 2018 after refusing to sign his franchise tender.
Bell, who will turn 27 years old this February, is hitting the prime of his career after already rushing for 1,200 yards in three of his six seasons at the pro level. And with the Raiders looking to move on from veteran tailback Marshawn Lynch, making Bell a prime target should be towards the top of head coach Jon Gruden's to-do list this offseason.
There's not going to be any single quick fix to address all the issues Gruden and Co. have entering this offseason. The Raiders have traded away or released a good chunk of talent on both sides of the ball. Yet the offensive line, despite being banged up, still ranks 11th in run blocking this season, according to Football Outsiders. And while offensive line coach Tom Cable received plenty of criticism from his handling of the Seattle Seahawks O-line prior to 2018, Cable's zone-blocking scheme isn't totally unlike what Bell thrived in during his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Heading into Week 13, Raiders runners are averaging just 4.2 yards per carry, which is good for 20th in the league. But that's due more to an overall lack of talent — runners Jalen Richard and Doug Martin aren't exactly top-tier ball carriers — so making a run at Bell should improve that number significantly.
But there are some obvious questions that need to be answered. Why would Bell want to sign with a scuffling Raiders squad? And why would the Raiders, whose 2018 decisions have been puzzling, want to spend top dollar on a player like Bell when they have so many shortcomings all over the roster?
Let's dive into why it makes sense for both sides.
Why It Makes Sense for the Raiders
Oakland will have plenty of cap space this offseason. More on that in a second, but hold onto the idea the Raiders' contractual obligations for 2019.
This is important, because Gruden and Co. will be armed with a total of five picks in the first three rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft, including three in Round 1. Their first is likely to be within the top five too. And in a defensive-heavy class, many of the Raiders' woes on that side of the ball are likely to be addressed early and often. It's anyone's guess how many of those picks work out to desired effect. But the large number of potentially impact players on rookie contracts for the next few years easily frees up cash that could be used on Bell.
There are the on-field benefits too, of course. Bell is a game-changing back. His abilities as both an elite-level runner and solid pass catcher out of the backfield aren't unlike those of Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley.
And considering how L.A.'s offense revolves around Gurley, one can imagine Bell having the same kind of impact in Oakland, eventually.
The Raiders are far, far away from boasting that kind of offensive talent. But they do have a franchise quarterback, Derek Carr, whom Gruden should wisely retain heading into 2019. That's important. Despite Oakland's down year, Carr included, the quarterback is still completing 68.3 percent of his passes (a career high) and has a passer rating of 92.2, which is nearly six points higher than his Pro Bowl 86.4 rating from a year ago.
Simply stated, Carr isn't the problem. He just needs weapons. Bell is a pretty good to have, and he would take a lot of pressure off the embattled signal-caller.
Why It Makes Sense for Le'Veon Bell
There's going to be the proverbial “elephant in the room” regarding Bell, his eventual contract. By refusing to report and sign his tender, Bell forfeited $14.544 million for 2018. That number is higher than the $14.375 annual average salary Gurley is receiving, currently.
We have to assume a few things here, including the likelihood Bell wants some job security, likely in that four-year range, which would get him to 30 years old at the tail end of his career.
The good news is Oakland can afford that. According to Over the Cap, the Raiders are projected to have $82,436,438 in cap space for 2019. That number goes up to over $88 million if they include rollover from this season.
This is where it's important to note those three first-round draft picks, whose rookie contracts will last the next four years (not including possible fifth-year options). That's the duration of a likely four-year deal Bell would receive if he signs with the Raiders. Especially if Oakland front-loads Bell's contract.
OK, so why would Bell want to go to the Raiders in the first place?
There's no getting around it, they're bad. Like any free-agent signing, players are taking a gamble on the new destination being a fit. Fortunately, Bell would arrive already being viewed as a showcase piece. And with unquestioned pressure on the Raiders to deliver immediate success upon arriving in Las Vegas, Bell wouldn't have to worry much about being overshadowed by other names on the roster.
Money talks, though, and Oakland has it. Plus, with many other teams trending towards younger, cheaper running backs out of the NFL Draft, Bell's options on the free-agent market may be limited anyway.
The Raiders, who still have a lot of upside, should be one of those teams contacting him regardless.
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