re: Steelers place franchise tag on Le'Veon Bell for second year in row

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Trade him to the Browns for the 1st and 4th pick.

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As if the Browns would eve....wait nevermind.

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What do experts think he'd command on the open market? Bout $16 million per with 40 guaranteed over 4 years?

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I really don't think anyone would pay him that. He's a great player, but the league has pretty much figured out that paying a RB long term money is not the best idea.

ETA: by wanting the long term deal, he's basically betting on himself getting injured or playing at a level lower than he's currently playing at. Because if he continually gets tagged and keeps playing at his current level he'll come out way ahead. If he has that mindset, why shouldn't the team also have that mindset? The team is basically saying, "we'll pay you as the best RB in the league as long as you are the best RB in the league", and he's saying "I want to be paid as the best RB in the league even if I'm injured or playing at a lower level".