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2018 NFL Trade Deadline: One player on the block for each team

By Erik Lambert

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 03: Cornerback Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 32-16. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle by C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens as he runs into the end zone after a catch for a 20 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 10: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers avoids a tackle by C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens as he runs into the end zone after a catch for a 20 yard touchdown reception in the first quarter during the game at Heinz Field on December 10, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

27. Pittsburgh Steelers

55. . RB. Steelers. Le'Veon Bell . 27. player

Few would have expected this to be the way Le’Veon Bell’s career ended with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The superstar has turned down millions of dollars and opted to sit out the start of the season and perhaps the entire year. Pittsburgh can’t give him the contract extension he wants, which means the countdown is on for Bell’s time in Pittsburgh.

If the Steelers know that they won’t get anything out of Bell before he becomes a free agent, then they have to trade him. The issue will be compensation because whoever wants Bell doesn’t want to sell the farm for only a handful of games. Bell can’t be given an extension at this point of the season, so whoever trades for him only has the final however many weeks guaranteed.

If Bell tells the Steelers he absolutely will not play for them, then the floor is a third round pick, the likely compensation Pittsburgh would receive if he were to walk away in free agency. That might be worth the risk for a team on the precipice of a Super Bowl.

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