2018 NFL Trade Machine: Le’Veon Bell to the Colts
By Erik Lambert
Le’Veon Bell was bound to be a name that came up on the 2018 NFL trade machine given his tense situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Most people know the situation by now. Bell views himself as the best back in the league and a vital cog to the Steelers’ success. He wishes to be compensated as such. Thus Pittsburgh and he remain apart on a new long-term contract. A possible holdout is expected by him. Speculation continues to swirl about whether Pittsburgh might try to deal him rather than string out the discussions, seeing as how most feel they won’t meet his desired price.
The production speaks for itself. Bell has accounted for at least 1,880 total yards from scrimmage in three of the past four seasons. He’s already scored 42 touchdowns in his career. Replacing him has been impossible for the Steelers whenever he’s exited the offense due to injury or otherwise. Still, paying running backs doesn’t seem to be their style anymore. If they don’t budge or get him to budge, they may have to ramp up trade possibilities.
Indianapolis Colts stick out as a prime taker for him
It’s unclear how the Steelers would feel about keeping Bell in the AFC in the event of a trade, but if they have no issues then the team they have to call is the Indianapolis Colts. They are perfectly positioned to be a trade partner as they check several boxes. They have a lingering need at running back, have Andrew Luck returning from injury and just drafted Quenton Nelson to bolster their offensive line. Adding Bell into that mix could accelerate their rebuild exponentially.
Suddenly Luck would have by far the most talented backfield weapon he’s ever played with. Frank Reich would be able to do so much with just those two. Never mind the continued presence of T.Y. Hilton stretching the field. It comes down to how aggressive GM Chris Ballard wants to be. If he thinks the Colts can get back into the playoff picture with that move, he should consider it. The likely cost would be a 1st round pick but Bell is 26-years old. He’s got plenty of juice left.
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If nothing else it would make the AFC a lot more interesting with a potential renewal of the Colts-Steelers rivalry in the playoffs. That’s something no one would turn down seeing. Keep an eye on that contract situation. If nobody budges, get the popcorn ready.