Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell didn’t show up to the facility by his 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday and is now unable to play the rest of the season. Because he did not show up and sign his franchise tender he will be a free agent at the end of the season, assuming the Steelers don’t franchise tag him again. Bell has been a top running back since he entered the league.
The two-time All-Pro RB has a total of 7,996 yards and 42 touchdowns from scrimmage in five years. That is including when he missed 10 games during the 2015 season. Bell will be healthy for his possibility of a big contract at the end of the season. Here are the top five places that the three-time Pro Bowler could land:
With the struggles of their season continuing, the Raiders are in desperate need for great players. They are in the midst of a rebuild with five first-round picks in the next two years. Quarterback Derek Carr is in his fifth season and not doing so well. Since he broke his fibula in 2016 he has not been the same.
They lost Marshawn Lynch to a groin injury this season so they have Doug Martin to replace him. They traded top pass rusher Khalil Mack and top receiver Amari Cooper, they also waived defensive end, Bruce Irvin. This leaves Carr to hold his own and carry a team that is basically not able to be carried.
Although they have Doug Martin, adding Bell to their team would be an excellent addition to head coach Jon Gruden’s offense. He will bring some light to a bad team. He would be a great deal threat for this team and be able to create great consistency.
This 3-7 team have had tremendous troubles so far this season. Most recently, they got blown out by the Buffalo Bills and their third-string quarterback. Although new general manager Mike Maccagnan has made great strides since joining the team in 2015, they still have plenty to work on.
Their starting running back Isaiah Crowell hasn’t done too bad, but adding Bell would add consistent production and help a young quarterback look even better. This team is young and because of that, they are highly inexpensive.
After a failed attempt to sign Kirk Cousins and Khalil Mack, and expressing interest in trading for Bell earlier in the season, the Jets could be a good option for the 26-year-old.
This team hasn’t won very many games yet Andrew Luck is looking good. His offensive line has prevented him from getting sacked now five games in row and Luck has thrown at least three touchdown passes in his last six games.
QB Andrew Luck (San Diego Tribune)
The running game is almost non-existent though. Luck has been averaging 40 attempts per game. they hardly ever run the ball. Mentioned above, Bell is a top dual-threat back and could easily give Luck, his offensive line and the rest of the team a break.
The Colts extra pick in the second round of the 2019 draft could help add depth to their team, especially with the addition of Bell in the backfield.
The Texans are riding a six-game winning streak right now. After starting 0-3, they look like a whole different team. J.J. Watt and Deshawn Watson are making big impacts after coming back from season-ending injuries last year. This team in first place in their division and have a high chance of making the playoffs.
Lamar Miller is the starting running back for the Texans at the moment but he has been unable to find holes and have big gains. Before their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins, Miller only averaged 56 yards per game had no touchdowns.
Adding Le’Veon Bell will give the team offensive balance. Bell has way more agility and ways to navigate an open field. With DeAndre Hopkins in the mix, Bell would most lily strictly be a back for this team and possibly make them an unstoppable team.
Russel Willson and the Seahawks are 4-5 right now ready to take on the Packers on Thursday Night Football. The Seahawks have shown that they can hang with the big boys but also shown they have major problems. They are a strong team but need some help in the backfield.
They lost top safety Earl Thomas easier in the year and the defense has been unable to stop any teams from scoring touchdowns. Since losing their top threat Lynch to retirement then to the Oakland Raiders, they have had a minimal run game.
With the addition of Bell, it could bring some ease to Wilson. The Seahawks offensive line has had troubles this season with keeping defenders away from Wilson, Bell could also double as a blocker to keep the pocket from collapsing. As well as help get the ball out of Wilson’s hand quick if there aren’t options down field. Either way, Bell would easily fit into head coach Pete Carroll’s offense.
Each one of these teams has plenty of money to sign the very expensive running back. For 2019, each team is in the top nine for the most money available.
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