The Le’Veon Bell Saga Should Be Coming to an End This Week

After the trade deadline passes, Bell has no reason not to report to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 14, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 14, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Photo by Mark Alberti/ Icon Sportswire)
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With NFL tradeline looming at 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the end of the Le’Veon Bell saga is now also in sight.

Or at least it should be.

Bell, who cannot be traded if he does not report to the Steelers and sign his franchise tag, will have no reason to stay away from the team following the deadline other than to preserve his body by not playing football.

However, if that truly is his goal, he may not report to the team until November 13. If he reports then- the Tuesday of Week 11 – Bell will be able to play under the tag and accrue enough service time to become a free agent in March.

Bell, who is on record that he’ll play in 2018, has already lost $6.84 million by not reporting but can still earn $7.695 million if he shows up this week. With each week he stays away until the 13th, that amount will drop. As of now, despite the losses, he would still be highest-paid running back in the league this year.

The play of his replacement, second-year running back James Conner, has somewhat complicated matters and led some to speculate the Steelers hope Bell signs and reports so the Steelers can deal him before the deadline.

League sources said the Steelers remain open to moving Bell and are “hopeful the Eagles rekindle their trade discussions from last month.” Should that happen, a third-round pick would likely get a deal done, according to CBS Sports.

If he isn’t dealt and Bell pairs with Conner in the backfield, the most logical step for the team is to start Conner while they progressively work Bell back.

“Then, once he’s ready, the Steelers will gladly take back an All-Pro as long as Conner has a solidified role. He has earned that much,” ESPN reported.

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