When Le'Veon Bell officially hits the open market on March 13, the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back will be one of the most coveted players. But will he be worth it?
Last year, Bell reportedly wanted a deal somewhere in the range of $15 million to $17 million per season -- more than twice the salary-cap hit an average NFL team had at the running back position in 2018 -- with a guaranteed amount of at least $45 million. He didn't get it, and he sat out the 2018 season.
Still, from 2013 to 2017, Bell ranked first among running backs in targets (390), receptions (312) and receiving yards (2,660), and he ranked second at the position in touches (1,541) and scrimmage yards (7,996).
Yet there are many reasons why no teams in their right mind should consider paying him what he's asking for -- and there are two running backs who could give these clubs more bang for their running back salary-cap buck than Bell.
Why Bell's not worth it
The reality is that his production on a per-play basis is nowhere near as remarkable as the totals.