Should Le’Veon Bell hit free agency, then not only are you paying for damaged goods, but you are also paying a premium. Bell won’t come cheaply nor will he come for a short contract either. The Lions or Steelers or anyone else who does invest in Bell will have to pay top dollar on a contract that will be for at least four seasons.
A contract that could be an albatross by the final two years of the deal if not even longer.
So while Bell is a perfect fit, the smartest thing for the Lions to do is pass on free agency and turn to the draft. The 2018 NFL Draft is deep at running back. Very deep. As a matter of fact the Lions will have the opportunity to select the edge rusher/defensive lineman that most expect them to with their first pick and still come up with a quality running back in the second round.
A back like Rashaad Penny, Nick Chubb, Royce Freeman, Kalen Ballage or even Kerryon Johnson. All of those backs have power, quickness and the ability to contribute in the passing game as well. Plus as a bonus they will fit under the rookie pay scale which means that they will be economical, allowing the Lions to use more cap space elsewhere.
Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL draft - Full 7 round mock
Le’Veon Bell is a premium running back that doesn’t appear to be finished yet. However, in the NFL players can nose-dive quickly. When you add in the opportunity the Lions have to still get a quality back in the draft at a fraction of the cost it would take to land Bell, then it becomes a no-brainer. Pass on Bell in free agency to address other needs because the draft will allow them to find their answer for the backfield.