Best NFL free agents in 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 25: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes with the ball as Marcus Gilchrist #21 of the Houston Texans and Johnathan Joseph #24 look to make a tackle during game action at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2017 in Houston, Texas. The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Houston Texans 34-6. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

9. Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers

Bell might be the most dangerous runner in the NFL right now, but running back just isn’t a high-value position in the NFL any longer. That’s going to really suppress the money Bell can earn in free agency.

There’s also going to be serious concern about how much longer he can produce at such a high level. If he makes it to free agency next summer he’ll do so at the age of 27. Paying running backs at or near the age of 30 is a very risky proposition.

It’s not as if Bell hasn’t been heavily utilized by the Steelers. They’ve gotten everything they can out of the former Michigan State star since drafting him in 2013. His statistics will give his agent a lot to sell next summer, but teams will be concerned that he doesn’t have enough miles left on his tires to merit a long-term, big money contract.

Despite the risk, Bell would still get a ton of interest in the open market. In particular, his ability to help boost a team’s passing game makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses. He ccaaught an astounding 85 passes for the Steelers last year. There are a lot of quarterbacks who’d love to have such a dynamic safety valve.

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