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NFL Free Agency: Le’Veon Bell Hitting the Open Market?

By George Stockburger

Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Steelers' game against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the Steelers' game against the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pittsburgh has just a couple of days left to franchise Le’Veon Bell

Less than a week stands between the Steelers ensuring Le’Veon Bell returning for 2017 and the league’s best running back hitting the open market. Pittsburgh has until March 1 to place their franchise tag on Bell at the tune of around $12 million.

Bell is likely to stay with Pittsburgh but with time dwindling and the concerns regarding the running back’s health some wonder what the future holds.

If Bell is to hit the open market the chances of Pittsburgh retaining him are slim. Any team with salary cap flexability will consider the superstar running back, and most likely make him the highest paid back in the league.

Pittsburgh cap situation is far from troublesome; the black and gold have over $30 million in cap space heading into the offseason.

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Their division rival in Cleveland could take their $100 million in cap space and simply overpay Bell and give him the opportunity to be the face that rebuilds the franchise. With Isaiah Crowell set to become a free agent the Browns could make a major upgrade with Bell, a native of Ohio.

Tampa Bay is reportedly unhappy with Doug Martin, and could stack Bell next to Jameis Winston. The Buccaneers have over $70 million available to spend and face the possibility of making a good offense even stronger.

Indianapolis is another team with money and a lack of rushing depth. Having two rising stars behind the offensive line reincarnates the Colts’ memories of Peyton Manning and Edgerrin James.

Pittsburgh should worry deeply if Bell hits the open market because younger teams who’re potentially on the rise can easily sneak in once it’s open season on free agents.

The Steelers need to determine the severity of Bell’s core injury and make a decision quickly on how to utilize the franchise tag.

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