Will LeVeon Bell be Traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a challenging decision regarding their star running back, LeVeon Bell. Will they consider trading him to a team willing to overpay, or will they keep him for another season? Let's explore the potential outcomes and underlying factors that may influence this decision.

Trade Considerations

The primary reasoning behind a potential trade lies in the financial flexibility gained from acquiring a high-value asset. Teams with cap space and the willingness to overpay, such as the Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills, or Cleveland Browns, might be interested in obtaining Bell. However, these teams would essentially be paying for a portion of his contract, especially considering that Bell is in the final year of his deal.

Bell has demonstrated his value by declining offers from the Steelers, which leads to uncertainty about his long-term commitment. Teams such as the Colts and Bills might view Bell as a risk, given the uncertainty of his availability post-trade. While 11 games of Bell's performances, including playoffs, could be valuable, it may not justify trading away a high draft pick. Drafting a young player with the potential to develop into a star could be more strategic in the long run.

Why Keeping Bell for This Season is Their Best Interest

The Steelers have expressed a desire to keep Bell for the remainder of the season. LeVeon Bell has publicly stated he plans to return in week 7. This commitment, coupled with the remaining two months of the 2019 season, provides the Steelers with the leverage to negotiate a long-term contract without the rush of a trade.

The Steelers are likely to give Bell until week 7 to finalize any potential trades. This timeline not only allows time for negotiations but also provides flexibility in case Bell's situation changes. If Bell decides to sign with another team, the Steelers can still retain him, making this the optimal strategy for the team.

Potential Trade Scenarios

While it is possible that the Steelers could trade Bell, it is unlikely that they will accept a high-pick draft in return. The teams interested in Bell might offer cash to pay off a portion of his contract, making it a cash deal rather than a high-draft pick. This approach would align better with the Steelers' financial situation and the strategic retention of potential touchdowns.

In the event of a trade, it is more likely that Bell would be sold to a financially solid team with cap space. These teams would be willing to pay for the high price of Bell's contract. The Steelers have already expressed that they are not expecting a "good deal" for Bell, which is typical in such discussions. However, any suitor that can offer enough value might make the trade worth the investment.

Should LeVeon Bell decide to continue playing, the Steelers could potentially leverage him. However, the workload may pose a risk to his future value, and Bell's commitment to his own long-term career prospects could impact his performance. If Bell feels that the workload is a threat to his future value, he may opt for a contract that limits his playing time, reducing the risk of injury and potentially reducing his impact on the team.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a trade for LeVeon Bell is possible, it is in the Steelers' best interest to keep him for the remainder of the 2019 season. The financial flexibility, the commitment expressed by Bell, and the strategic importance of retaining a star running back make it the optimal choice for the team. Any potential trade will depend on the financial value offered and the clarity of Bell's commitment to the team.