Why Le'Veon Bell has little reason to show up next week

Unless LeVeon Bell wants to participate in the Pittsburgh Steelers' potential playoffs, the running back is hardly motivated to run before the November 13th deadline.

His situation is confusing. So, let's start with the facts. Here's what we know about Bell's critical situation.

• Bell has not signed its tender for the franchise yet.
• If he does not show up for the Steelers and does not sign his franchise offer before November 13, he will not be allowed to play in 2018 or the playoffs.
• If he does not report and sign his offer, the Steelers can affix the franchise label or transition label on Bell during the 2019 offseason.
• If he does not show up, he will not run in season. This does not affect Bell's free agency status. An NFL player needs four seasons to become an unrestricted free agent and Bell has five. His decision not to report will, however, have an impact on his profits with the NFL because they are determined by the accumulated seasons.
• If he signals and signs his offer, the Steelers can not award him any franchise etiquette during the 2019 off season, as they have already used it twice. They can put the transition label on Bell.

What is the franchise etiquette and what is its connection to Bell? It is a one-year pact with Bell that pays him either the average of the five highest wages in decline, or 120% of Bell's previous salary, whichever is greater. The player can not negotiate the terms. Bell's only choice is to sign it or not to sign it. Bell chose the last one.

What is the transitional etiquette and, again, how does this relate to Bell? According to the terms of the transition label, the amount due to Bell is expected to be between $ 9 and $ 10 million in 2019, according to ESPN. The other 31 teams can then extend their offers to Bell. The transition tag will give the Steelers the right to join any offer offered by another free-form team. The problem is that a team like the New York Jets, who have plenty of room for the cap, can face a case to ensure that the Steelers, who do not have much space, can do likewise. The Steelers told Bell that they were planning to use the transition label on it in 2019, according to ESPN. This does not mean that they intend to retain it.

Our take: Thinking rationally, the Steelers would not place the franchise label on Bell for the third consecutive season. The cost would be huge. More importantly, the Steelers would be crazy to follow the same process and wait for another result. The only reason they could call Bell is to trade him, but even then they would probably not be better than a third-round pick, and that's probably what he'll win in the formula of choice compensatory. The Steelers again setting the franchise etiquette on Bell seems to be an unlikely outcome.

The transition tag seems possible and even probable. But that does not suit Bell the Steelers. As long as the suitor arrives, Bell will probably leave.

So why would Bell report before November 13th?

On October 1, he told ESPN he wanted to play football in 2018. That's the only reason he showed – because wants to play. Playing may cause injury, which partly explains why he held up. Playing could lead to a loss of efficiency, which could lower his value in free will. The only advantage would be a possible Super Bowl race with Pittsburgh. He would come back and look for his teammates and coaches despite the feeling of not being properly compensated.

Bell could also find himself in a difficult situation on his return. There is no guarantee that the Steelers will want to put him back on the offensive when James Conner is so successful. Bell could end up looking a lot. Heck, Pittsburgh could put Bell to the test for the rest of the season.

In the end, Bell's situation is – and has always been – delicate. There is a significant risk to come back and continue waiting. If he's only worried about a payday in 2019, then staying out during the entire season could be the most astute decision.