Le'Veon Bell Megathread

2 Things to consider.

Part of Gurley's contract is the fact that he was drafted much higher than Bell so he is entitled to a much larger 5th year option. Top 10 pick versus late 2nd round pick have drastically different 5th year option value. For example, Shazier is getting $9mil on his 5th year option and he was picked a year earlier and later in the draft. Bell first issue is that he was not drafted as high as he has performed.

Bell is trying to make up for the fact that he did not get paid as a rookie as much based on his draft status. He also got drafted at an older age...which statistically is working against him. Here is an anaylisis of player performance by age. RB peak age is 24...then its all downhill from there. Bell is asking to be paid more than any other RB because of the past...unfortunately, smart teams pay for the FUTURE.

Bell is not wrong...the Steelers are not wrong. To me, there is no side to take. I think the contract offer was fair, I think Bell rejecting was fair. He got $13mil last year...another $15mil this year if he plays every game. He is not going to go hungry.

/r/steelers Thread Parent