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Essay On Football Contract

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The July 17 deadline for franchise players to sign long-term deals has come and gone, and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell failed to come to an agreement on an extension. Instead, Bell will have to play this season under the exclusive franchise tag ($12.1 million), which he has yet to sign. Rarely do the Steelers use the franchise tag, and they’ve never used it on a running back until this year. Should the Steelers not tag him again or sign him to a long-term deal by March 1, 2018, Bell will hit free agency. One of the NFL’s leading rushers, Bell’s rookie contract expired after the 2016 season. While the Steelers and their star negotiated during the past two offseasons, Bell reportedly declined a lucrative five-year contract …show more content…

While some argue that Bell’s past injuries have been flukes, they’re likely part of why the Steelers have yet to budge on guaranteed money. He suffered knee injuries in 2014 and 2015 (both occurred during matchups versus division rival Cincinnati) and underwent spring surgery for a groin injury he suffered in the latter part of last season. Add to this Bell’s consecutive drug-related suspensions (2015, 2016) and he has only played one complete season (2014) in the first four of his career. One more false move and a 10-game suspension could be looming. Despite injuries and off-the-field shenanigans, Bell is arguably the best all-purpose back since entering the league in 2013. In 47 career games, he has amassed 4,045 rushing yards, 2,005 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns. With receiver Martavis Bryant serving a yearlong suspension last season, Bell stepped up admirably and was second behind Antonio Brown in team receptions and receiving yards. In addition to his nearly 1,300 yards rushing in 2016, Bell had 616 yards receiving – surpassed only by Arizona Cardinals’ back David Johnson with 879 yards receiving (who played all 16 games). Boasting such production, Bell desires to be paid as a lead running back and a second wide receiver. With contract negotiations stalled until the offseason, the latest controversy is Bell holding out of training camp. While he has stated his intention to sign his

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