When news surfaced last week the Steelers were now open to trading disgruntled running back Le'Veon Bell, the speculation immediately began on what the two-time All-Pro might be worth in a deal.
Bell hasn't been traded yet, so we don't know his value. But, if a report from the NFL Network's Ian Rappoport is to be believed, we now have an idea of what the Steelers might be asking.
According to Rapport's report, the Steelers are, "asking for a second-round draft pick and a player."
That makes some sense, at least more sense than people thinking the Steelers should get one or even two first-round picks for a player who, later today, will miss his fourth game to open the season.
Bell remains in Florida as the Steelers (1-1-1) prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens (2-1) tonight at Heinz Field. He has not yet signed his $14.54-million franchise-tag contract offer. The Steelers now are on the books for $11.1 million of Bell's salary, a prorated portion that decreases by $855,000 per week that he does not report.
The Jets reportedly were a team that was interested in making a trade for Bell, so it's possible the Steelers' asking price report came from that franchise.
According to a report by CBS' Jason LaCanfora, the Eagles, 49ers and Jets are teams that are most interested, though after losing quarterback Jimmy Garopollo last week to a torn ACL, the 49ers wouldn't make a lot of sense.
Another deal that would make some sense is trading Bell to Seattle for disgruntled safety Earl Thomas, but the Seahawks are in a rebuilding mode and might not be overly interested in bringing in another unhappy player. Seattle also just used a first round draft pick this year on running back Rashard Penny.
But what the Steelers might be asking for this week could certainly change the longer Bell continues to stay away.
Also at issue is the fact any team that trades for Bell would be unable to sign or negotiate a new deal with him until after the season concludes. Bell also would be required to sign his franchise tender before a deal could be completed.
The team that then trades for him would be forced, if it chooses to use the franchise tag to buy extra time to negotiate a new deal, to do so at a cost of the average of the top five salaries in the league. That could be upwards of $25 million for 2019.
