Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman just became the highest paid player at the position in the NFL. Wednesday morning, Ian Rappaport broke the news that Freeman signed a five-year extension worth $41.25 million. The deal includes $22 million in guarantees, $26 million over three years, and a $15 million signing bonus. Le’Veon Bell recently turned down a contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers that allegedly paid more. That contract, according to Tom Pelissero, was a five-year deal that averaged $12M a season. Pelissero provided no details on a signing bonus or guaranteed money. Failing to provide those numbers is a good indication of why Bell rejected the deal.
How Le’Veon Bell is Impacted by Devonta Freeman Contract
Bell arrived at Pittsburgh in 2013, and has evolved into the NFL’s most dangerous dual threat running backs. Noted for his uniquely hesitant running style, Bell has revolutionized the position. The NFL’s all-time leader in total yards per game with 128.6, Bell led the NFL last year with a little over 157. Down the stretch, the Steelers leaned heavily on Bell to make it to the postseason, where he put on a show. In the wild card and divisional rounds, Bell set the Steelers single-game postseason rushing record twice. He rushed for 167 yards versus Miami, and 170 against Kansas City. His performances in those two games cemented his status as the league’s best running back, just in time for contract negotiations.
What Is Le’Veon Bell Worth?
Bell is the best running back in the NFL, and he wants his contract to reflect that fact. He is also seeking compensation for his perceived number two receiver status as well. We know that the Steelers already offered him $12 million per season, so it’s unlikely they will lower that amount. What don’t we know about the contract offer? We don’t know how much the signing bonus was, or how much money was guaranteed. Bell is guaranteed $26.6 million if he plays under the exclusive rights franchise tag the next two years. So based on the numbers we know, what is Bell worth? That number comes out to $12 million per year with $26 million guaranteed. A signing bonus between $15-17 million would be reasonable, considering what Freeman received.
LeVeon Bell’s Future in Pittsburgh
The Steelers and Bell both agree that he belongs in Pittsburgh long term. Despite failing to reach an agreement on a multi-year deal, that is still the most likely outcome. Both sides claim there are no feelings of animosity and look forward to resuming negotiations following the season. Between Art Rooney II, Kevin Colbert, and Omar Khan, they will find a way to make the numbers work. They will find a way to pay Bell what he is truly worth. Bell gambled on himself when he refused the Steelers five-year offer. When Freeman signed his contract, he created Bell’s floor value for guaranteed money and the signing bonus.
When the Steelers break camp, Bell will most likely sign his tag and report to the team. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone that this was part of his strategy to enter the season as healthy as possible. His move was not a statement of protest, just part of the business side of the game. Bell wants to be the highest paid running back in the NFL, and he deserves to be. Thanks to the contract Freeman received, he will be.
