Star Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell offered words of encouragement to the man replacing him during his holdout.
During Pittsburgh’s game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, Bell tweeted praise for current starting Steelers tailback James Conner.
James go crazy then!! ✊????✊????✊????
— Le’Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) November 9, 2018
One of the top running backs in the league, Bell is currently holding out in hopes of a long-term deal and has yet to report to the team this season. (RELATED: There’s Been A New Development In The Le’Veon Bell Drama. Steelers Fans Won’t Be Happy)
Conner has replaced him as the starting running back this season and has been a star, rushing for 706 yards and 9 touchdowns so far.
While Bell’s desire for a new deal is certainly understandable given his production, Connor’s emergence proves why he just isn’t valuable enough to give him an extension.
Even without Bell, Pittsburgh still has a great running back, on his rookie deal, and as long as he is healthy, Bell won’t be paid what he feels he deserves.
Running backs are simply a dime a dozen in the NFL.
It’s not fair that mediocre quarterbacks like Joe Flacco get the Brinks truck backed up for them, while Bell can’t get a long term deal. But, that’s the reality we live in.
Some positions are simply much less valuable than others, none less valuable than running back.