It is almost certain that Le’Veon Bell will not return to the Steelers. Could he select Indy as the place to further his career?
Why He Will Come
Le’Veon has stated that he, “has his eyes” on Indianapolis as a very real candidate for free agency, and has them at the “top of the list,” according to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano. The Colts have a promising future in MVP caliber quarterback Andrew Luck, and a superb, young, o-line in Anthony Castonzo, Quenton Nelson, and Braden Smith.
Bell should be a excellent fit for Frank Reich’s offense, one that loves to pass the ball and could use Bell’s receiving chops. Indianapolis has the money to pay him, with just over $107 million salary cap space this off-season, according to Spotrac.
Marlon Mack had a good season, averaging 4.4 yards a carry in 2018, but the Colts ranked 20th in rushing yards. The opportunity to pair Luck with Bell (which would be the best duo in Indy since Manning and Edgerrin James) is understandably tempting. The only competitor that I could see ahead of the Colts on Bell’s list is the New York Jets.
Why He Won’t Come
Chris Ballard does not like to push the limits of the team’s available cap by over-paying for big-name players. It was reported that Bell asked for over $40 million from Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017, and that was just in guaranteed money. It is likely that he will still demand a large contract and it is hard to imagine that Ballard will meet his asking price.