Le’Veon Bell is finally going to hit free agency

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t going to use any tag on Le’Veon Bell this season. After placing the franchise tag on him each of the last two seasons, general manager Kevin Colbert stated that the team would not use the transition tag as some suggested could be the case.

In short, the Steelers are not going to stand in the way of Bell hitting the open market.

Le’Veon Bell, 26, is the best offensive free agent available. Most people within the league believe DeMarcus Lawrence is the best free agent, although it would be stunning if the Dallas Cowboys don’t tag or sign Lawrence on a long-term deal. Assuming Lawrence doesn’t get to market, Bell is going to be the most intriguing name to watch. While the position he plays means he won’t take home the most money of anybody signed in March, he’s certainly going to be the hottest name in a year without a ton of superstars.

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After sitting out a year while refusing to sign the tag, there is concern within NFL circles about whether Le’Veon Bell is going to have ample rust. However, he’s a back that is in the prime of his career, has more than 2,500 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in the last two seasons he’s played, and can catch 80+ passes in a given year.

There will be no shortage of teams calling agent Adisa Bakari about his services. As reported over at FanSided in January, Bell would prefer to play with the Miami Dolphins, but the Dolphins still would have to make the highest offer. Considering Miami is entering a rebuilding phase under first-year head coach Brian Flores, it’s dubious that the Dolphins would lay out the cash needed to acquire Bell.

Should he not end up on South Beach, there’s reason to believe the Chicago Bears are a team to watch. Tarik Cohen is electrifying but he doesn’t have the ability to carry the ball 300 times in a season. Jordan Howard is decent but struggled in 2018, falling well below 4,0 yards per carry. Bell, who has played in cold weather his entire life dating back to Michigan State and then Pittsburgh, would be an ideal fit in Matt Nagy’s scheme.

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Ultimately, there will be a slew of teams in the mix, likely ranging from the Bears and New York Jets to the Indianapolis Colts and other franchises trying to add one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game to their roster.

Come March 11 when the tampering period of free agency opens, the chaos can ensue.