Dragonborn10 Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Yes it would be expensive but it would give the team another year to determine if he can stay healthy or not? Everyone wants the elusive incentive laden contract, but some team is likely to pay him big dollars and he won't sign a deal with the Bills based on incentives(not that that wouldn't be fair to both sides - but who says capitalism is fair). Levi Brown being on the market may be the only thing that keeps Bell from being the most sought after lineman. Even though I posted the question, I wouldn't do it. I would take DeCastro and play Levitre or Hairston at LT. In a dream Martin is there and some team wants him badly enough so we can drop 3-5 spots and still get Decastro. Wouldn't be upset with Martin at #10 either.
DanInUticaTampa Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Left tackle is an expensive position and bell is decent, but no way is he worth the franchise tag. Better to draft an ly and use that money grabbing some pass rush
NoSaint Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 How about a transition tag even? Â I wouldn't but atleast that's less money
Estro Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 It's my understanding that under the new CBA there is no longer a transition tag. So in tis case, that is no longer an option. Only a franchise tag, which Bell isn't worth. Â Bell probably wouldn't see more that $4.5-$5 million a year from the Bills and I believe there are other teams that will give him $7.5-$8 million per year on the open market. I've always had a sneaky feeling that the Jets will make a push for Bell. I know they have Ferguson already making big money on the left side, but there right side is weak. I know D. Bell is a LT and not a RT, but I just have a feeling the Jets will throw some cash at him. Â I like Bell and wish the Bills would lock him up, I just don't see it happening.
Buffalo Barbarian Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Left tackle is an expensive position and bell is decent, but no way is he worth the franchise tag. Better to draft an ly and use that money grabbing some pass rush
jjmac Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 No way we franchise Bell. Too much money for an oft-injured guy. If we did not want to franchise Stevie, no way we would do so for Bell.
Dr. Fong Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 I'd love to have Bell back, but franchising him would be way over-paying.
Doc Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Where is the "hell no" choice? I think Bell can be a very good LT when healthy, but he hasn't been able to stay healthy the past 3 years. I think he'll find the market for his services isn't what he thought it would be and will come with major incentives for playing time.
bmur66 Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 The Bills need to use draft picks to improve the team. Not to fill holes created by not resigning our own. Hopefully they can resign him. Franchise Tag? I don't know. That's one for the bean counters I quess.
atlbillsfan1975 Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 The Bills need to use draft picks to improve the team. Not to fill holes created by not resigning our own. Hopefully they can resign him. Franchise Tag? I don't know. That's one for the bean counters I quess. you are 100% correct and i think we all agree with you. The problem is that this is a very weak FA Tackle class. So by default some team will most likely pay Bell baised on the fact that when healthy he has been good. They will, for the most part, over look the fact he has an injury history. Buffalo will not, and i am sure they have made him a fair offer. Its up to Bell to accept it or not.
BobChalmers Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Franchise him at the OLT rate??? Dear God NO. Â I like him a lot - more than most on this board, but because of his health there's no way he rates that kind of cash, and I seriously doubt anyone else is going to pay him a number anywhere near that. Â Frankly, what team would be stupid enough to give him any money up front at all??
White Linen Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Of course franchising him is out of the question. But as many have stated the issue is what is he worth to the Bills vs the open market. Most believe that he will garner much more money in free agency, but I'm not sure. I think teams that have a need at LT will look at Bell but won't shell out big money (I.E. 7.5-8 million per year), but he will get enough attention that he'll get more than the Bills will spend. Ultimately I think Bell has most likely played his last game as a Bill.
tennesseeboy Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 Yes it would be expensive but it would give the team another year to determine if he can stay healthy or not? Everyone wants the elusive incentive laden contract, but some team is likely to pay him big dollars and he won't sign a deal with the Bills based on incentives(not that that wouldn't be fair to both sides - but who says capitalism is fair). Levi Brown being on the market may be the only thing that keeps Bell from being the most sought after lineman. Even though I posted the question, I wouldn't do it. I would take DeCastro and play Levitre or Hairston at LT. In a dream Martin is there and some team wants him badly enough so we can drop 3-5 spots and still get Decastro. Wouldn't be upset with Martin at #10 either. The only bell franchise the bills should consider is Taco Bell.
....lybob Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 The franchise tag cost for Bell would be $10,731,000 which is pretty expensive but is cheaper than giving a big bonus and then not liking the guy.
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