for whom the bell tolls

Ever see the South Park episode of Canada on Strike ?
Reminds me of Leveon Bell at the moment.

 

Burns.

seriously. Ben is up. I think a couple of Offensive Linemen are due. Dupree in his contract year (not saying he should get big contract, just saying he is in contract year).

 

I immediately noticed that the account was unverified. That sent up a big red flag.

 

The sad part is this not gona go away today, someone here will have something to say abt Bell in the weeks/days to come, and make another Bell thread. i dont believe the media will stop talking abt him either... JMO

 

The big question will be do they frnachsie him again

 

I'll never apologize for talking about Bell on these forums, but the reality is after today the interest of topic goes away. The Steelers are not going to tag him for 25 million, and if a transition tag was placed, the Steelers aren't going to offer what other teams are willing to.

So Bell will no longer be a Steeler

 

only way is if they can find a way to get a decent trade. I am skeptical that is possible/reasonable at this point, but I've learned never say never. Theories on using transition tag then doing some sort of match and trade are out there so maybe.

 

I just hope this doesn't open the flood gates and this happens to multiple teams numerous times in the future, it is just bad for the game not to have their stars playing....

 

If they do the transition tag he wont be traded because he can simply sign with that other team for free and pitt would have to match their offer. The transition tag gives him the freedom to negotiate with other teams.

 

I think in the next CBA the franchise tag will be removed. It's the biggest joke imo in sports contract history.

 

No they won't franchise him, the only question is if they let him go or transition tag him. I believe we need to see how conner finishes out the season to know that answer..... I suspect they just let him go without any further tags.

 

Roll in with 26 seconds to spare?

 

The theory is let him negotiate his own deal, match it, then trade him. As I said, I am skeptical.

 

NFLPA never should have agreed to it. Hardly the best thing for a player looking to shop his wares. I suspect it will be a major issue during the next negotiation. It may not go away, but I expect it will undergo significant change.

 

Eh I doubt it. Because then you are forced to find a particular trade partner that will take on the deal and if you dont you are stuck with bell and the deal. Doubt that happens they will just most likely let him walk after this fiasco. I do think though they will talk about offers again though.

 

I see the exclusive tag going away. The transition tag and the non exclusive may stay but that's a maybe. It will be a long holdout again.

 

Nope we are done with him , "We need volontiers not hostages"

 

I DON'T see the franchise tags going away. It's not a bad deal to be paid as the top player at your position, while you negotiate long-term. For the most part, it's worked well...... just one bad seed that never signed his franchise tag, and a handful others that were disgruntled millionaires.

 

It gives teams the power to handicap players from signing deals elsewhere. For the most part, most other teams let guys go after the 1st tag when they see they cant agree on a long term deal. Only guy I can recall being tagged twice is kirk cousins and he plays the position with the longest career and highest paid salary.

 

I'm not sure I know all the rules but why wouldn't they franchise tag him again? As far as I know the franchise tag would be the same as it is this year and if they were willing to pay the tag this year why not next year? I would franchise tag him out of spite until he shows up or it will be like rewarding him for sitting out an entire year waiting for free agency.

 

We tagged Jeff Reed two years in a row.

 

We used the tag twice on Max Starks as well. One transition, and one franchise.

 

As I said, I am skeptical. I think there is significant risk there as you say.

 

Bell is going to look so good with the 49ers/Colts/Browns (please God no) next year

 

That is the big question right now...is it the same "level" as this year's tag or does it escalate to the third tag level? A month ago people thought it was the former. Now most seem to report the later.

Tagging him out of spite is a waste of time and team resources. They guy already penalized himself to the tune of 14M plus the delta of what was offered by the Steelers last year and what he was paid last year. If he recoups that, I'd be amazed.