The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Examining free-agents from eliminated division round teams

By David Harrison

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Isaiah Johnson #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Peyton Barber #25 after returning a fumbled punt for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Isaiah Johnson #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates with Peyton Barber #25 after returning a fumbled punt for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Le’Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers

Another team in pretty bad salary cap position looking forward to 2018, as opposed to the Buccaneers and their projected $64 Million, the Steelers are in a rough situation.

The team certainly didn’t perform to it’s talent all the time in 2017 despite making the playoffs and earning a bye.

A late season injury to Ryan Shazier only clouds matters further, and of course there are still the lingering questions about Ben Roethlisberger and his future.

Money is going to be tight, so let’s look at who might be leaving without renewed contracts.

Running Back, Le’Veon Bell

Linebacker, Arthur Moats

Guard, Chris Hubbard

Wide Receiver, Justin Hunter

Safety, Daimion Stafford

Linebacker, Sean Spence

Running Back, Stevan Ridley

Running Back, Fitz Toussaint

Defensive Tackle, Daniel McCullers

Most Likely to Leave: Running Back, Le’Veon Bell

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Bell has threatened to sit out the 2018 season if the Steelers franchise tag him for a second season. The highest paid running back in 2017, Bell finished as the third highest running back in yards rushing.

I don’t have to tell you how great Bell is. We all know it already. The star running back has said he wants to return to Pittsburgh, and his threat – or promise – is not a ploy to get out of the steel-city.

However, if the team can’t find a way to free up some serious cash, there’s no way they can offer him the $10 Million or more he’ll get on the open market.

Perhaps a tag and trade is in order. At least in this scenario, the team can prevent him from going to a division rival and get something in return.

Stay tuned.

Most Likely to Re-Sign: Running Back, Le’Veon Bell

No, it’s not a typo. The Steelers have to keep Bell.

Their quarterback was on shaky ground last season, and just took a loss to Blake Bortles into his 2018 off-season.

Pittsburgh’s defense isn’t what it once was, and needs another infusion of youth and talent.

Lose Bell, and the wheels might fall of this whole thing all together. I don’t know how, but the team needs to find a way to free up the space to give him what he wants and keep him in Pittsburgh.

Best Target for the Buccaneers: Running Back, Le’Veon Bell

Level with me, you saw this coming.

If Bell hits free waters, then Jason Licht has to at least put in a call. What’s the one big thing the Bucs’ offense was missing? A running game.

Signing this player would be a huge financial burden. But it could also pay off big time.

I’m not going to believe Bell isn’t a Steeler until I see him in a different uniform, but if he does change teams, why can’t it be to head down south?

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