Here's why the Steelers shouldn't pay Le'Veon Bell | ESPN

Jason Fitz explains why, despite Le'Veon Bell possibly being the best football player in the world, the Pittsburgh Steelers should not give into his contract demands, with Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams, Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints showing that young NFL RBs on cheap deals are a better model, while expensive older running backs such as Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, DeMarco Murray, Doug Martin, Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams, Lamar Miller and Chris Ivory proving to be cautionary tales for teams.

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[poeticjustless]

Damn, you guys really just made a video to try to block someone's paycheck... especially one that also lines up at WR more than any RB...

[brandonchristopher]

NFLPA should have a new draft rule... "The running back rule"

Running backs drafted outside the first round can't be franchise tagged and can't have rookie running backs contracts longer than 3 years.

The position shouldn't be treated like every other position because of injury risk and length of average running backs is shortest in the league.

Almost every other position has players that can play into their early 30's.

"The running back rule" would allow those highly talented players to get paid before they're old (28yrs) under this rule most running backs would hit Free agency at 25-26 years old.

Problem solved.

[cmilliones]

Pay the man! We can’t afford to let this man go, Steeler Nation needs him damnit!

[rekeybobby]

its down 4% dont pay this man??? espn should remake this video rename it Here's why the espn shouldn't pay Jason Fitz

[steeler]

Who’s here when Levon bell got released by the ravens

[abambamg]

Le'veon literally plays rb and receiver plus blocks plus big enough threat where defense has to always look for the run plus doesn't need a backup cause he fights for tough yards and also used for speed. Why not pay him?

[qtdidit]

41 to 37 percent. That's a part of your argument ?? lol if total yards for the season is, let's say, 6k. then that's only a decline of 240 yards. For 15 game season, that is only 15 less yards per game. I'm just pointing out the use of that percentage as if that should be a factor to not pay big. Not arguing that they should or shouldn't. Just the numbers

[andrewstephens]

the last 2 seasons
160 Receptions- 1271 rec yards, 582 rushes- 2559 rush yards, total of 742 touches. 2nd best receiver on the team. he deserves a Gurley deal for sure.

[Deezbucs]

The last 30 seconds of this video says it all. He's not saying he doesn't deserve a huge contract, but the way the modern NFL is it's not worth it from a team aspect. The amount of people who don't understand how money works in professional sports is mind-blowing.

[whykb]

Didn't even watch.. You should pay the man.. You see what he's done for Steelers nation.. All the highlights man. Pay the boy

[harryparterson]

There is a reason that rb's have a short shelf life... because they take the most punishment! ....and that alone merits pay...tired of over paid qb's getting a flag/$100mil if you sneeze at them. They changed the rules so that qb's can shine....look at brady...at times the LEAST athletic on the field but considered the most valuable....when qb's always need a great athlete on the receiving end in order to be successful.

[tonyzan]

Honestly at this point it's dumb for athletic kids to be RBs

[thesentinel]

PAY THE MAN!!!! This ain't no indentured servant.

[SimpaticoReal]

He’s super young and talented. Only 26 (if I remember correctly) which means he’s got 4-5 prime years left. The Steelers should pay him, at least if they want to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive.

[spracerx]

You are correct with your opinion except for the fact that he does not just play the running back position. He also plays as a receiver on the line, not only coming out of the backfield. He is the most talented offensive player in the league right now. And he deserves to get paid.

[Rodbri]

Damn so ESPN really posting videos about not paying athletes now? GTFOH

[jnyfumare]

He turned down a guaranteed 30M at 15M a year. I would say TRADE HIM and get draft picks.

[rickdean]

LeVeon bleeds black & yellow that's his team & his family. Not once has he ever thought about playing on another team. His goal has always been to help the Steelers win another Superbowl & retire a Steeler. It's not about the money to him, it's about understanding his future & wanting to perform in his role & be successful. LeVeon wouldn't be what he is without the entire Steelers organization & he owes them everything for believing in him & giving him an opportunity to perform. He wants to be the greatest running back to play & he just needs the support of the team & given all resources to succeed. The Steelers mean everything to him. Maybe it is time they part ways just hopefully both sides give each other the respect they deserve. So many of his teammates have been incredible in supporting him & making him feel part of the team. He will try to show his loyalty & support to them.

[lionofpersis]

Demarco killed it on the Titans. What were they, 3rd in the league for rushing in 2016?

That aside... Leveon is a game changing RB. He literally changed the way players run, using patience instead of just sprinting upon receiving the ball. He has been the Steelers' workhorse and consistently kills it every year. Pay. The. Man.

[MrJandi]

I'll admit that I'm not a Steelers fan as my team is in the division and it's usually Pittsburgh that foils us. However, take your numbers and compare them to Bell's production to the Steeler offense, not only rushing but receiving. Sure, you can replace a RB but when that RB also is your 2nd leading receiver and forces the opposition to gameplan around him, we're talking about much more than what a RB historically gives you. If you like numbers, then compare the Steelers offenses for the first 4 games last season to this season. Bell changes the dynamic. He's the difference between 3-1 and 1-2-1