The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in all of the NFL, and they have long been known for doing things the "Steeler Way." That has started to change in recent years across many different areas throughout the organization, some things for the better, and some things only time will tell if the change is good. One of the many things that has changed in recent years, is how the team handles contracts, specifically, the guaranteed money in the contracts.
Throughout most of the 2000s, the Steelers didn't offer guaranteed money past the first year of a contract. Well, that is unless you're a future Hall of Fame quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger. However, every team makes exceptions. Handling contracts the way the Steelers did was outdated, and was giving other teams a leg up when it came to free agency. This situation reared its ugly head during the contract negotiations with former running back Le'Veon Bell, who made three NFL Pro Bowls while with the Steelers and was a fan favorite amongst Steeler Nation.
The Steelers franchised tagged Bell following the 2017 season, which was the second year in a row the team did so. That led to a lengthy negotiation that ultimately saw Bell sitting out the 2018 season, instead of playing back to back years on the franchise tag. While joining the The Brian Hess Show, in an episode that drops at 4pm EST on Friday July 25th, Bell spoke on his contract dispute and why he and the Steelers couldn't agree to a longer term contract.
"I definitely had it in the back of my mind, making sure I get secured money," said Bell. "It wasn't about the amount, I don't think it was the amount. I think it was only securing $8 million or something the first year. It's $8 million, but it isn't the amount, it is more so the years. You have to guarantee at least three years then. You only want to guarantee $7 million every year, okay that would be $21 million guaranteed. Which I felt I was worth more than $21 million, but I would have took that."
During the time of Bell's negotiation, the Steelers didn't offer guaranteed money like Bell wanted and didn't budge on their principles. Ultimately, Bell sat out the entire 2018 season, and second-year running back James Conner had a breakout campaign. Bell walked the following season in free agency.
Bell didn't have much success after leaving the Steelers, as he jumped around to four different teams in three seasons and had just 1,218 rushing yards during that three-year stretch. He had three individual seasons with more rushing yards than he did his entire career after leaving Pittsburgh.
Ultimately, it was very unfortunate that Bell and the Steelers couldn't agree on a contract that would have kept Bell in Pittsburgh. The Steelers had one of the most electric offenses in the NFL during that time, and Bell played a huge role in that. Keeping that offensive core together likely would have helped propel the team to more playoff success, and kept Bell on a trajectory that could have had him ending his career a projected Hall of Famer.
Steelers' Playoff Drought Started As Bell's Career In Pittsburgh Ended
Since Bell has left Pittsburgh, the Steelers do not have a playoff win. Bell's final season playing in Pittsburgh, the 2017-2018 season, ended with an unexpected shootout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with a score of 45-42. Earlier that season, Ryan Shazier suffered a career ending spine injury that decimated the Steelers' defense for the final stretch of the season.
Bell brought up on the previously mentioned podcast, that the team should not have lost to the Jaguars that year, and if they had Shazier available, the Jaguars' offense would not have had the same level of success.
Throughout the playoff drought, there are many reasons why the Steelers haven't been able to pull out a win. Many people call them excuses and not reasons, but regardless, the lack of playoff success following Bell's departure definitely has been a pain point throughout the organization and fan base.
Do you believe the Steelers should have given Bell more guaranteed money deeper into his contract?
