10 AFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season
By Ian Wharton
9. Le’Veon Bell is in it for the long-haul
Flash back to one-year ago, when Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell ended his offseason boycott of the franchise due to his unhappiness with his contract situation. Bell returned from his holdout Week 1, but managed only 47 total yards on 13 touches against the Cleveland Browns.
Even that meek production would be welcomed by the Steelers after things got personal on Wednesday. Bell’s absence unexpectedly extended into the middle of the week, and now ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported he’s unlikely to play this week. It’s also possible he’ll sit out longer.
The bad blood between Bell and the Steelers after they failed to meet his contract demands, falling considerably short with a low guaranteed dollar amount in their last offer.
Whoa.
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) July 16, 2018
"I think it's possible Le'Veon Bell sits out first half of the year if he doesn't get a long term deal done." -@AdamSchefter on @SiriusXMNFL.
"The goal at that point would be to hit 2019 free agency healthy, not rack up another 400 touches."
Bell will do what it takes to save his body and cash in next offseason. That’s his right as a franchise tendered player despite drawing the ire of fans and teammates. Remember, his rights only belong to the Steelers because of the ridiculous existence of the franchise tag, and he’s yet to sign it.