Thanks for the memories, Le'veon!

Bell was not a puff away from a 1 year suspension. He would have been suspended for 4 games if he failed another drug test.
With that said, the Steelers did nothing wrong. They didn't offer a particularly good contract in terms of guaranteed money, but that's their MO and their right. They also had the right to franchise him as per the CBA.

I also don't think Bell did anything wrong by sitting out. What I blame him for is the way he went about it. Even right until the end when he left Miami and came to Pittsburgh. He teased fans and his former teammates all year long. That's bull****

 

No he wouldn't. He was a free agent before last season but was tagged

 

Exactly. It use to be 6 years on rookie contract then you could be an UFA. Then teams complained about losing talent so that was the compromise 4 years and franchise tag. I would say that has worked out and paid a lot more players than it hurt.

Read above. I'm talking about for the crowd complaining about the franchise tag and how it would have been before the franchise tag.

 

Trying to be positive- this was pretty awesome

 

Regardless of where you stand on Bell’s contract situation... any feeling that completely disregards Bell’s entire career here is incorrect. He was a thrill to watch and was a dynamic player that carried our brand, in addition to helping to get big wins vs Miami and at KC in 2016 during the playoffs. Sure, this should have ended better and more could have been achieved. But let’s not pretend ‘13-‘17 didn’t happen.

Much like how people celebrate Tracy McGrady’s time in Orlando/Toronto... he was a crazy talent and I’ll look back on Bell’s time here as being exciting, though more dramatic than I’d have liked. But, thats entertainment for you. It kept us on the edge of our seats

 

Gotcha, but teams didn't necessarily have to sign a rookie to a 6 year deal (if I remember correctly).

 

Not only that but how often do athletes at their peaks have to sit out for a year because contractual issues? I think that Bell can come back and produce like a top RB next year. My opinion is that injuries/touches are worse for a RB's career than sitting out a year.

 

Maybe not fully guaranteed contracts, but go for a percentage of what's guaranteed. The tags need reworking for sure.

 

I said that as well

 

Yeah I'm a Deebo fan as well, I have his Jersey I was only upset he went to the Cheaters anyone else I support him still wanting to play!! He gave us Steelers Fans a lot of great memories, none more memorable than the SB43 touchdown priceless!!!

 

Thanks for the great memories. As well as for being a role model for young kids on how NOT to act as a teaammte. As how NOT to act off the field. I, as well, hope your return to Heinz Field someday is memorable for you as too.