The NFL’s deadline to sign franchise-tagged players to a longer-term contract has passed. As a result, players like Le’Veon Bell, Aaron Donald, DeMarcus Lawrence, Ezekiel Ansah and Lamarcus Joyner will all play next season on the franchise tag. For most of those players, it’s not a big deal but for Bell, it’s his second consecutive season playing on the franchise tag. Both him and the Pittsburgh Steelers worked all the way up until the deadline to get a contract extension signed but the two sides were far apart. That leaves the door open as to what happens next. BetDSI Sportsbook has posted some odds on the various scenarios:
Le’Veon Bell sits out 2018-19 reg. season games non-injury related
Yes -400
No +270
Le’Veon Bell on Steelers roster Week 1 2019-2020 reg. season
Yes +600
No -1000
The immediate question is whether or not Bell will hold out into the regular season. He’s one of the Steelers most integral parts. In these types of contract negotiations, it’s not unusual for the player to miss regular season games in hopes of gaining leverage in talks. BetDSI believes that that’s exactly what’s going to happen as he’s a -400 to miss at least a game.
Bell’s agent was on the media circuit on Monday suggesting that the situation will play out the same as it did last year: Bell will miss training camp but will be there for Week 1. Only time will tell.
The other aspect the Steelers have to think about is whether or not they should trade Bell. If he’s going to walk as a free agent at the end of the year, they can try and get something for him midseason. Clearly the betting odds show that he won’t be back in a Steelers’ uniform the following season.
Odds were posted for a number of other superstars who look like they also might be in the final season with their current teams:
Odell Beckham Jr. on Giants roster Week 1 2019-2020 reg. season
Yes +150
No -200
Aaron Donald on Rams roster Week 1 2019-2020 reg. season
Yes -280
No +210
Jadeveon Clowney on Texans roster Week 1 2019-2020 reg. season
Yes -350
No +250
The Giants have had a tough time with Odell Beckham Jr. be it from on-field injuries to off-field shenanigans. It has left the door open for the Giants to pass on signing a long-term extension with him. As for Aaron Donald and Jadeveon Clowney – two of the NFL’s best defensive players, the odds suggest that they’ll be back with their teams beyond the 2018 season.
