Steelers’ interest in Derrius Guice impacts Le’Veon Bell

As things reach a stagnant point in contract talks with Le’Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking at one of the top running backs in the 2018 draft.

Last year, Le’Veon Bell exercised his right to wait as long as possible to sign the franchise tag. All he did was finish third in the league in rushing (1,291 yards) with 85 receptions. He seems set to do the same this year, signing the tender at the latest possible moment, and now the Steelers have gone public with the idea long-term contract talks are on hold.

The Steelers seem to be trying to put public pressure on Bell and his agent. But there are no signs he will buckle and show up before he absolutely has to, if a longer term offer is not to his liking.

The Steelers should probably have an eye toward the future with who will be their No. 1 running back, on the idea Bell may play one more season and hit the open market. On that note, they are eyeing one of the top running back prospects in the 2018 draft class.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert are having dinner with LSU RB Derrius Guice around his pro day next week, per source. @LedyardNFLDraft 1st. The Steelers' first-round intrigue in Guice is real. Also met with him at combine.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 26, 2018

#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin will take #LSU RB Derrius Guice out to a private dinner before his pro day on April 4th, per source. The team also had a formal interview with him at the Combine a month ago.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 26, 2018

LSU running back Derrius Guice is in the conversation to be the second running back drafted this year, behind Saquon Barkley. The Washington Redskins (No. 13) and the Seattle Seahawks (No. 18) will have to take a long look at a running back in the first round, well before the Steelers go on the clock at No. 28.

If the Steelers do draft a running back early in next month’s draft, it surely won’t sit well with Bell. They could also rescind the franchise tag if Bell goes without signing it into the summer, as the Carolina Panthers did with Josh Norman in 2016. But don’t expect that to happen.

I'm not sure if this is out there or not, but from what I've been told the #Steelers will NOT rescind the franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell. We all know the draft can change things so we'll see. Personally I strongly believe Bell is with the team in 2018.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) March 26, 2018

If the Steelers maintain their end of negotiations on a long-term deal, they have to plan as if Bell will play for them in 2018 under the franchise tag and be gone in 2019. An element of leverage may also be gained if Pittsburgh drafts Guice or another back, which a savvy organization surely recognizes.