NFL Player News

Steelers Expected To Use Transition Tag On Le'Veon Bell

All indications are that the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to use the transition tag on running back Le'Veon Bell by the deadline on March 5. It's expected to have a value of $9.5 million to $14.5 million for one season and gives the Steelers a chance to match any offer he'd receive on the open market. Pittsburgh doesn't plan on matching any offer to retain Bell, but only to trade him. However, even if the Steelers find a taker in a trade, they'd need Bell to sign the transition tag first, which is highly unlikely. This situation continues to get uglier, but Bell won't be playing in Pittsburgh in 2019 no matter what. Despite having 1,229 rushing attempts in five seasons, Bell is in the prime of his career and has reached the 1,000-yard mark three times. He's one of the more versatile backs in the NFL and should remain an RB1 in his next home.

Pierre Garcon To Hit The Open Market

The San Francisco 49ers will not pick up the 2019 option on wide receiver Pierre Garcon, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. The 32-year-old declining wideout played in just 16 total games in his two seasons in San Francisco and missed eight games last season with shoulder and knee issues. The Niners will be hit with $7.2 million in deal money and will save $1.075 million on the salary cap. Garcon, who will turn 33 in August, plans on continuing his career, but he's unlikely to have a robust market given his age and injuries the last two years.

Keke Coutee Fully Healthy

Houston Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee, who dealt with hamstring injuries off and on his entire rookie season, is fully healthy again in the offseason and is excited going into his second season. "I'm feeling great," Coutee said. "I'm feeling really good. I'm feeling like myself." He managed to play in only six games in 2018 and had 28 receptions for 287 yards and one touchdown. Coutee also had 11 catches for 110 yards and a score ono 14 targets in the wild-card playoff loss to the Colts. With DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller on the outside, Coutee could have a big year in his second season out of the slot in a dangerous offense. He might fly under the radar in drafts, too, making him an attractive sleeper.