What is a reasonable cost for Bell? $4 million over 2 years, and no guaranteed money after the first year? That's what Philly gave him.
I think you hit the nail on the head.
What makes you think that?
Football players, and people in general, make decisions based on more than just money. Bell did not get a lucrative deal by ANY means. He could have liked Philadelphia, the organization, a guaranteed starting position at LT...etc.
In fact, I just read this on ProFotballTalk...
"...details of the contract make it seem like he’s being viewed as a one-year replacement for his predecessor at left tackle in both Buffalo and Philadelphia.
It’s a five-year deal between Bell and the Eagles, but, like many other long-term deals, the chances of Bell seeing the full run of the contract are pretty slim. Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com reports that the deal will pay Bell $3.25 million in salary and bonuses in 2012 with no guaranteed money beyond this season."
Very good deal for Philly. They could CUT him after this season and owe him NOTHING.