Pittsburgh Steelers: Owner makes Le’Veon Bell situation clear

The Pittsburgh Steelers have tried to handle the Le’Veon Bell situation as delicately as possible, knowing it’s a potential powder keg that could explode.

Bell has been a star for them since being drafted and it would be a bad look for the team if they mishandled things with the media regarding his holdout for a new contract. However, they also must play the business role responsibly. Bell wants a contract as the highest-paid running back in the NFL. They are not willing to give it to him. So he’s staying at home and they’re moving forward with James Connor in his place.

This is what has led to the rampant speculation that Pittsburgh will trade Bell. It makes sense. Connor is playing well. Other teams around the league have a need for running back help and would love a talent like Bell. However, there are a number of problems. The veteran back can’t negotiate a long-term contract until the end of this season, meaning the team receiving him could be in danger of losing him to free agency next year.

Then there’s compensation. Most teams aren’t going to give up a couple high draft choices for a running back, even one as good as Bell. Not when the position can be so easy to fill in the draft every year. Last but not least, it appears one person inside the Steelers organization isn’t wild about the idea. A highly important person.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II seemed cold to any Bell trade speculation

Art Rooney II is the owner of the team, so it’s natural to think he has the ultimate final say on what happens with certain players on the roster. So when he was asked about the possibility of the Steelers unloading Bell before the trade deadline on October 30th, he didn’t exactly offer up warm welcome to the idea.

"“I expect him to be a member of the team going forward. That’s my expectation.”"

There are many ways to interpret that. It could mean he still has hopes of getting a deal done with the Pro Bowler. However, the more likely possibility is he knows the team won’t find a trade partner that is willing to give up what the Steelers want. Rooney is possibly resigned to the fact that Bell will remain locked under the franchise tag the rest of the year.

Maybe he’ll return, maybe he won’t. Either way, the team has no issues moving forward with Connor and if Bell does leave next year it virtually guarantees the Steelers will end up with a compensatory pick in 2020. It’s not an ideal outcome, but one that Rooney and others can probably live with.